AIMH (UK) The Association for Infant Mental Health UK

Infant mental health is the study of mental health as it applies to infants and their families. The field investigates optimal social and emotional development of infants and their families in the first three years of life.

Infant mental health is one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas in the whole field of mental health. Research has shown that support for parents during their baby's first year can significantly increase the proportion of babies who form secure relationships with their parents, and this has lasting benefits for their subsequent development. A good beginning for young families is a protective factor in coping with life's inevitable stresses. Early intervention when there are difficulties can often prevent the development of mental health problems in later years.

AIMH brings together professionals, from many fields, who work with infants, young children and their families. 

They:

• promote evidence-based practice through encouraging close links between clinical workers and researchers.
• Disseminate knowledge about the mental and emotional health of infants and young children through strategic discussions, workshops, conferences, Newsletters and our website.
• Provide information and sometimes direct support, to those compaigning for recognition and resources to meet the mental health needs of young children and their families.