Local charity Every Child Our Future is highlighting the critical importance of providing early years support following the recent publication of the Guernsey Young People’s Survey, which reported increased worries and anxiety in students.
In its Bright Beginnings Children’s Centre, Every Child Our Future follows the ‘1001 Critical Days Agenda’ ethos – which calls for all children to receive sensitive, appropriate and responsive care from their main caregivers in the first years of life, specifically from conception to age 2.
“The importance of infant attachment in relation to a happy and healthy later life cannot be underestimated. To reverse the statistics that we have seen in the latest local report about our young people’s mental health we need to intervene early and think in terms of prevention at the earliest point possible,” said Rachel Copeland, Director, Every Child Our Future.
“The neurological effects on a baby’s brain development of the failure to bond or attach to its parent during the crucial first two years of life are profound and only recently understood. By investing early, we will give our babies the best opportunity for a fulfilling life,” she said.
The charity works in partnership with several States of Guernsey departments and the third sector on the provision of services in this area and is keen to generate greater awareness among professionals and the public of the vital importance of infant attachment.
The UK Government recently published its inaugural State of the Nation report regarding children’s mental wellbeing which had broadly similar findings to those in the Guernsey Young People’s Survey.
“Sadly in the UK we are seeing investment in services in this area decreasing with hundreds of children’s centres closing altogether. We want to do the exact opposite in Guernsey and are keen to find even more ways we can positively work with government to benefit our island community in the long term. The evidence shows the benefits a happy family environment can have on a child’s future as well as highlighting potential financial savings for the taxpayer if this issue is addressed at an early stage,” said Mrs Copeland.
Last week saw the 30th Anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. To coincide with this anniversary the 1001 Critical Days Agenda has launched a poster campaign to remind people to keep babies in mind when considering children’s rights.
In October 2018, Every Child Our Future launched the Perinatal Pathway – an initiative which offers information and resources to guide parents and caregivers through the 1001 Critical Days. Described as an invaluable resource to families and professionals, the Pathway is on display at the Bright Beginnings Children’s Centre and the Kindred Children’s Centre.
Founded in 2017, as part of Every Child Our Future, Bright Beginnings Children’s Centre offers a combination of free and paid-for services.
For more information on any of the services provided by Every Child Our Future or Bright Beginnings contact 01481 244919, visit www.brightbeginnings.gg or www.everychild.org.gg/
