Mental Health

Infant Mental Health

Infant Mental Health is the social, emotional, and cognitive wellbeing and development of children in the earliest years of life. It is an infant’s capacity to form close relationships; experience, regulate, and express emotions; and to explore their environment and learn. Infants achieve this through safe, nurturing, and secure relationships.

Perinatal Mental Health 

Becoming a parent is often portrayed as a joyous time, however for many the reality is very different with reports showing that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men and partners are affected by mental health problems during pregnancy and the first year after birth. The stigma and fear associated with perinatal mental health can leave those affected feeling inadequate as a parent, isolated and vulnerable and can impede or delay getting help, treatment and recovery. 

Untreated perinatal mental health problems present a major public health concern and can have long-term impacts on the physical and mental health outcomes of mothers, babies, partners, and families. It is crucial that families are supported to have positive mental health and wellbeing during the perinatal period.

NHS GGC Infant, Early Years and Maternal Mental Health

NHS GGC has developed and collated a range of information and resources to support infant, early years and maternal mental health that can be found here  

Mental Health & Wellbeing Learning Resource for Early Years Professionals

This resource is for people who work with babies, infants and young children and help support their mental health and wellbeing. Access the resource here  

Resources for Early Years, Schools and Youth Providers

A range of suggested resources (curricular packs, toolkits, guidance etc) that can be used in early years, schools, and by youth providers to help protect, promote, and support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. Access here  

Healthy Minds resource pack

Healthy Minds is a universal resource which aims to promote basic awareness and understanding of mental health and topics that are associated with and can impact on mental health and wellbeing. It is a cascading and capacity building resource that aims to support partners and organisations deliver on the public mental health agenda. The focus of Healthy Minds is prevention and early intervention. There are a number of training sessions which can be delivered by anyone. New sessions are added periodically for a large range of mental health topics. A session was added in 2025 on Infant Mental Health. Click here to access the resource.

The Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Good Practice Guide

This guide has information and resources on a wide range of topics which are grouped according to protected characteristics as per Equality Law. Topics are wide ranging and include, breastfeeding, eating disorders, peer support, gender based violence, imprisonment, addiction etc. Click here to access the guide.

The Infant Pledge – Putting Babies’ Rights at the Centre

The Infant Pledge is a national commitment developed as part of Scotland’s Voice of the Infant Best Practice Guidelines. It recognises babies as Scotland’s youngest citizens, each with their own feelings, rights, and ways of communicating. The pledge outlines what infants should be able to expect from the adults around them, such as being seen as individuals, having their cues understood, being supported to build secure relationships, and having their views valued and considered in decisions that affect them.

Designed in simple, baby‑centred language, the pledge encourages all professionals, services and communities to create environments that notice, listen to, and respond to infants’ needs, ensuring they have the best possible start in life.

Access the Voice of the Infant Best Practice Guidelines and Infant Pledge here Download the Infant Pledge poster here

A Whole School Approach to Loss and Bereavement

This document is intended for anyone who requires advice on issues relating to loss, grief, and bereavement. Sections include how children understand death at different ages, supporting children and young people with Additional Support Needs through loss and bereavement and the impact of peer help and social media.

Access resource here 

Early Years Mental Health Improvement Framework 

This framework has been created as a planning tool to help support those working with babies and young children who are under 5 and their parents/carers to plan and deliver mental health improvement activities. It outlines the range of themes that evidence shows promotes positive mental health in the early years and highlights factors that both threaten and support good mental health. Access the framework here  

Parentclub - Wellbeing for Wee Ones  

Information and advice for new parents from Parent Club can be found here

Fathers Network Scotland  

Fathers Network Scotland has a range of information around paternal mental health. You can find out more here

Early Years and Parental Mental Health:  Wee Minds Matter

The Greater Glasgow and Clyde Infant Mental Health Service, Wee Minds Matter, was set up in 2021 to provide specialist support to parents and their babies during pregnancy, birth, and up to 3 years of age. Wee Minds Matter can support the work of professionals working with infants and their families, for example by supporting infant-focused care planning or providing consultation and reflective space to professionals. Further information can be found here  

Healthy, Happy Tots Website/ App

Healthy, Happy Tots Website/ App contains helpful advice, local support, and everyday tips for parents of children aged 0-5. Whether you're navigating sleepless nights, feeding, or just need reassurance, you'll find trusted guidance and nearby resources all in one place. Access here

Bereavement Support for Parents, Young People and Children:

There are a a range of Loss and Bereavement services offering support for parents, young people and children available via My Gov Scot:

• Bereavement support for children and young people. Click here  to view.
• Support available if a child or baby dies. Click here to view.

The Glasgow City HSCP Health Improvement Team have pulled together a list of key strategy and policy links regarding Mental Health and Early Years. These documents should be used to inform planning and delivery within your establishment and school community.  

These documents are a useful resource to build a knowledge base around current priorities and work around Mental Health and Early Years in Glasgow and across Scotland. Please note that clicking on these documents will take you to external websites. 

Scottish Government Mental Health Strategy 2017-2027

Scottish Government Voice of the Infant: best practice guidelines and infant pledge