Stronger from the Start is an alliance of organisations from across the community and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland, working together to promote and improve infant mental health.
Our vision is for every baby and infant in Northern Ireland to enjoy the best start in life.
As part of the Stronger from the Start Alliance, we're continually working to amplify the importance of infant mental health by campaigning for meaningful change in policy, practice, and life experiences.
The Alliance successfully campaigned for and welcomed the inclusion of infants within the Mental Health Strategy for Northern Ireland 2021-2031 and we're committed to continuing to raise political awareness in this area.
Our campaigning hasn’t stopped there. We're continuing to lobby for the recognition of the importance of the first 1,001 days and the need to prioritise infants and their families in strategy development and service delivery.
Our key asks are summarised in our most recent manifesto.
We're looking forward to working with elected representatives, civil servants, local champions, and families to deliver on our vision.
Support Infant Mental Health Awareness Week
This year, Infant Mental Health (IMH) Awareness Week is 8-14 June 2026.
Whether you work in early years or you are a parent, carer, or family member interested in infant mental health, we're asking you to use your voice on behalf of our babies' emotional wellbeing.
As soon as the theme of this year’s IMH Week is released, we'll upload a pledge card that you can use. Don't forget to tag us on Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag #StrongerFromTheStart.
For more information, please contact Tracey Ripley McElvogue [email protected].
What is infant mental health?
Infant mental health is defined as "...the social and emotional wellbeing and development of children in the earliest years of life. It reflects whether children have the secure, responsive relationships that they need to thrive". (Parent-Infant Foundation 2022)
When we talk about infant mental health, what we mean is infants requiring secure attachments and positive relationships to prepare the way for strong, healthy social and emotional health and wellbeing across their lifespan. In the early years, an infant's foundational relationships and environments fundamentally shape their capacity to feel secure, express emotions, and begin to engage with the world.
Why are the first 1,001 days so important?
The first 1,001 days include pregnancy and the first two years of a child's life. This is an age of opportunity. There is clear, compelling evidence that this period lays the foundation for every child’s future health, wellbeing, learning, and earnings potential.
It sets the groundwork for children’s developing emotional wellbeing, resilience, and adaptability. During these 1,001 days, we can lay a foundation of health and wellbeing whose benefits last a lifetime – and carry into the next generation.
Watch our explainer about the importance of the first 1,001 days
How do we promote good infant mental health?
Investing in infant mental health is not only a matter of promoting individual wellbeing; it's a strategic approach to improving population health outcomes, reducing long-term service demand, and fostering a more equitable and compassionate society.
Babies and infants deserve a whole system response to protect and promote their early emotional health. We're confident that a joined-up approach can create the change necessary for babies and infants to fulfil their potential. Investing in such support will reap rewards for our families, communities, and services in the future.
We believe there are four key areas of focus for the promotion and improvement of infant emotional health in Northern Ireland. These are:
- Leadership and collaboration
- Improving evidence and policy
- Addressing workforce challenges
- Service development
How to get involved
Support us on social media
If you would like to support our campaign, use our pledge card to support us on social media with the hashtag #StrongerFromTheStart.
You can also follow on Instagram.
Join the Stronger from the Start Alliance
All community and voluntary sector organisations operating in Northern Ireland are welcome to join the Stronger from the Start Infant Mental Health Alliance.
However big or small, whatever your primary area of interest, if you support our manifesto, we’d love to welcome you.
For more information on how we work as an organised group, read our terms of reference.
To sign up or find out more, please email our admin: [email protected].
Our wider influencing work in Northern Ireland
We have first-hand experience of the issues faced by children and young people across Northern Ireland. We use that experience to campaign for change and influence government to achieve better outcomes for more children.
Campaign with us
We know that many of you are worried about the future – which isn’t how it should be. That’s why all of us at Barnardo’s are determined to change the way the system works for you and countless children, young people and families across the UK.
Amplifying children and young people’s voices and experiences
Children and young people should have opportunities to have their voices heard and be taken seriously in decisions that affect them. When young people are involved, we know this leads to better decision-making and improved services.