What is the Infant Mental Health Network Dublin 7 & 1 – Community of Practice
In July 2024, One Family successfully formed a training network (Community of Practice) partnering 11 local agencies working in the Dublin 7 & 1 area. This allowed us to apply for Training Links funding through the Wheel to deliver professional training to members of our newly established Infant Mental Health Network Dublin 7 & 1.
Our Aim
We aim to build knowledge and skills across front line practice; developing a targeted approach within a shared framework; creating dedicated support and services for families. The project aims to increase the awareness of the needs of families by creating a shared understanding of how systemic issues are impacting on lives and family wellbeing. Through training we hope to develop a knowledge hub, lending to peer support, best practice, referral pathways and a united approach to service delivery. We aspire to creating opportunities for lifelong learning supporting the retention of staff and knowledge in the Dublin 7 and 1 areas.
Professional Training Opportunities
From September 2024- Dec 2025 their will be ongoing training opportunities made available to front line practitioners across the Dublin 7 & 1 area. The Training Network will meet regularly, identify training gaps, and deliver on training opportunities which we feel will support the implementation of best practice in the area of infant mental health across the community.
Training will be in person, via zoom, self-thought e learning, through webinar events, workshops and a community conference. We will aim to engage all front-line practitioners where possible in accessible and FREE training. We hope through training opportunities that peer relationships will naturally develop, supporting best practice and referral pathways; in turn supporting service provision and the needs of infants, toddlers, young children and parents in our community.
Areas that will be targeted through professional training:
The following key areas have been identified as key areas for training:
Developing an understanding of infant mental health theory and applying same to practice; disability and the limitations in service delivery to parents and children with disabilities in our community; systemic issues – the impact of homelessness on children, their development and family life; cultural sensitivity and awareness; soft touch supports and there importance in engaging hard to reach families; mental health and wellbeing – the impact isolation and loneliness is having on parents and in turn family wellbeing; the impact of trauma on parent-child relationships and a child’s wellbeing; bereavement – understanding the depth of grief and loss on families/children; attachment and bonding when faced with stressful living conditions, including domestic violence, addiction, food poverty etc. The Voice of Parents and Children in our community – exploring the development of a parents’ fora and child youth participation projects so the children and families in our communities can be heard and their needs valued and addressed.
Geraldine Kelly | Coordinator – Infant Mental Health Network | Director of Parenting & Professional Development – One Family | gkelly@onefamily.ie | 01 6629212