HSE and partner agencies celebrate Infant Mental Health Awareness Week with first ever Sligo-Leitrim Baby Week events

The HSE and partner agencies from Sligo Leitrim Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Network are delighted to announce the first-ever Sligo Leitrim Baby Week events, taking place from 8–14 June 2026 to coincide with Infant Mental Health Awareness Week (IMHAW).

Featuring a number of free events across counties Sligo and Leitrim, Baby Week will bring together parents, carers, families, practitioners and communities to celebrate babies, raise awareness of infant mental health, and highlight the importance of nurturing relationships in the earliest years of life.

Infant Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual campaign dedicated to increasing understanding of babies’ emotional wellbeing and development. Despite growing recognition of the importance of the early years, infant mental health remains an often overlooked and misunderstood subject. The week provides an important opportunity to shine a light on how babies develop socially and emotionally and how parents, carers and communities can support them to thrive.

The theme for IMHAW 2026 is “Attunement” - the ability to tune in and connect with another person on an emotional level.

Fiola Murphy, Child Health Programme Development Officer Health and Wellbeing, Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and Co-Chair of the Sligo Leitrim Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Network, said, "Attunement refers to the ability to tune in and connect with others on an emotional level. While it is important for everyone, it is especially vital for babies and their parents or carers. When babies experience attuned relationships, they feel safe, secure and loved. This supports their ability to regulate their emotions and promotes positive mental health.

"Adults who are emotionally attuned to babies and young children recognise their cues, respond sensitively and validate their feelings. The events taking place across Sligo and Leitrim aim to help parents understand how these early attuned relationships play a key role in supporting their baby's development and lifelong wellbeing."

The events planned for Baby Week will offer opportunities for families and professionals to learn more about infant mental health, connect with local supports and celebrate the unique bond between babies and their parents and carers. Activities will take place in locations throughout Sligo and Leitrim and will be designed to be welcoming, informative and engaging for families with young children.

Carmel Gallagher, Public Health Nurse in Sligo said, "The first years of life are a critical period for emotional, social and brain development. By celebrating Baby Week, we hope to increase awareness of infant mental health and encourage conversations about the importance of responsive, nurturing relationships. We are excited to bring together families, services and communities across Sligo and Leitrim to mark this important week."

The Sligo Leitrim Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Network is encouraging parents, carers, grandparents, early years educators, health professionals and community members to take part in Baby Week events and join the conversation about supporting babies' emotional wellbeing from the very beginning.