Our Infant Mental Health Advice Line provides a space for professionals to discuss concerns, think together about an infant’s emotional wellbeing, and explore ways to support families. We can offer:

• Professional consultation and reflective discussion
• Guidance on infant development, behaviour, and emotional needs
• Support in understanding parent-infant relationships
• Help identifying strengths, risks, and areas of concern
• Advice on intervention options and referral pathways
• Signposting to relevant services and supports

Important: This service is not for emergencies. If there is immediate risk, please follow your local organisation policy or contact the Social Work Duty Team.

Contact the Infant Mental Health Advice Line if you are:

• Concerned about an infant or toddler’s emotional wellbeing
• Seeking advice about parent-infant relationships or attachment
• Unsure whether a family’s presentation may indicate an infant mental health need
• Looking for support to understand an infant’s behaviour, communication, or emotional responses
• Considering the impact of parental mental health, trauma, loss, or adversity on an infant
• Exploring risk and protective factors within a family’s circumstances
• Unsure about appropriate support, referral pathways or next steps
• Looking for guidance, consultation, or reflective discussion regarding your work with a family

What will happen?

An Infant Mental Health clinician will meet with you by phone or MS Teams to discuss your concerns.

Together we will:

• Explore the needs of the infant and family
• Consider the parent-infant relationship
• Identify strengths, concerns, and possible supports

You will receive:

• Advice and guidance
• Recommendations and resources
• Support with next steps and referral pathways

Before you call

1. Obtain parent/carer consent (where appropriate)
2. Discuss with supervisor/line manager
3. Gather relevant background information.

Who is it for?

All professionals working with infants (0–3) including:

• Health Visitors
• Family Nurse Partnership
• PMHT
• Midwives
• GPs
• Early Years Staff
• Social Work
• Third Sector

Contact

Contact the Infant Mental Health Advice Line on: