Innovative training programme strengthens parent-infant bonds

A training programme designed to support and strengthen the crucial relationship between caregivers and their infants has successfully completed its second cohort.

Delivered by the University of Surrey and the University of Cambridge, and funded by NHS England, the programme has equipped practitioners from perinatal mental health teams across England with new skills to support parents in the crucial early years.

The training, the first of its kind within perinatal services, focuses on helping caregivers understand their infants’ communication and emotional needs by encouraging them to see the world through their child’s eyes. This approach sets a new standard for interventions available for families within parent-infant pathways.

Led by Dr Jane Iles, a Clinical Psychologist at the University of Surrey, the online training programme draws upon attachment and social learning theories, using video-feedback to enhance caregiver-infant relationships.

Becoming and being a parent or caregiver is a challenging journey. Many can feel overwhelmed and lack confidence in understanding and responding to their children’s needs and behaviour. This can especially be the case for parents experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties, which can significantly impact their confidence and sense of security in their parenting role.

This specialised training empowers perinatal mental health teams to provide vital support to parents, fostering greater confidence in their parenting abilities and enhancing their capacity to recognise and respond sensitively to infants’ cues and behaviours.

The success of this programme demonstrates its potential to directly impact NHS clinical practice and we are incredibly encouraged by the outcomes and hope to inspire the development of similar programmes in the future. Dr Jane Iles, Programme Director, PsychD Clinical Psychology Programme. Associate Professor. Clinical Psychologist