This includes health visitors, nursery nurses, midwives, paediatric and other child health colleagues, social workers, early years practitioners, wider specialist services such as Maternity and Neonatal Psychological Interventions and Perinatal Mental Health and workers in our third sector partner agencies, for example.  A large part of our work includes the offer of training, reflective practice and consultation for those who work in existing roles with infant and parents.

This leaflet for practitioners explains more about who we are and the support we can offer to practitioners working with families.

This leaflet for families is available to support practitioners when talking to families about our service.

Training

NES infant mental health training resources

Free, accessible online resources focused on infant and perinatal mental health.

Solihull Approach

We are strong advocates of the Solihull Approach, which is a well-researched and highly practical way of working with families. It draws on three main concepts: containment, reciprocity and behaviour management. Further information about the Solihull Approach can be found on their website at solihullapproachparenting.com, which includes references to research supporting the effectiveness of this approach.

We can support teams with implementing the Solihull Approach, alongside NES, through a train-the-trainer model.

Workshops

We offer training focusing on parent-infant observation skills, infant development, regulatory difficulties, attachment patterns, and therapeutic work with infants and parents.

Reflective Practice

Working with infants and parents is rewarding and is also challenging and stressful at times. We offer a safe and confidential space for practitioners to reflect on their practice, as part of a group. Through discussing together either positive outcomes or situations in clinical practice which are more challenging, practitioners gain insight into their professional practice by having space to think and process their experiences. Professionals who are able to share their experiences in this way are better able to protect their mental health and develop stronger and more cohesive teams.  The insights gained and lessons learned can not only ensure good practice but help develop and improve professional confidence, competence and job satisfaction, as well as reducing burnout.

If you are interested in arranging training or reflective practice for your service/team please contact us on loth.pairs@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

The availability of these services will continue to expand in line with the growth of our team.

Consultation

Consultation will be offered as part of our referral pathway. This is currently only open to health visitors, FNP nurses and midwives, for infants in Midlothian and South East and South West Edinburgh. The initial consultation will provide a space to think together and consider the needs of the infant and the family. We can also provide advice, signposting and where appropriate we will recommend further support from the PAIRS team.

If you would like to access a consultation appointment, please complete the Consultation Request Form and submit it to loth.pairs@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk