What’s On at National Museums Scotland

Please find below the latest National Museums Scotland listings:   

 Exhibitions & displays

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania
Until 14 Apr 2024
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Free

Delve into the most important and pressing issue of our time, humanity’s damaging relationship with planet Earth. This urgent issue is felt especially deeply in Australia and the Pacific Islands where sea levels are rising due to climate change and the oceans are filling with plastic.

Rising Tide considers our relationship to the natural environment through contemporary artistic responses to climate change and plastic waste by Indigenous Australian and Pacific Islander artists.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Rising-Tide

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 
Until 06 May 2024
Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3
Ticketed

In this world-renowned exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, see exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behavior, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.

Book now nms.ac.uk/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year

Uniquely Scottish Silver
Until 26 May 2024
Grand Gallery
Free

Uniquely Scottish Silver brings together five distinct Scottish silver object designs: mazers, quaichs, thistle cups, ovoid urns and heart brooches.

Discover some of the earliest and rarest survivals within the Scottish silver smiths’ craft.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Uniquely-Scottish-Silver

Game On
29 Jun – 03 Nov 2024
Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3
Tickets on sale spring 2024

Get set for Game On – the largest interactive exhibition of the history and the culture of video games.

Game On, an exhibition conceived and curated by Barbican Immersive, examines the creative and technological advances that have established a new medium and art form.

From Sonic the Hedgehog to Mario, explore gaming’s rich history through over 100 playable games from the last five decades.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/game-on

Cold War Scotland  
13 Jul 2024 – 26 Jan 2025 
10:00 – 17:00 
Special Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 
Free 

Exploring Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War, a new exhibition will tell the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict. 

Find out more nms.ac.uk/ColdWarScotland

Events

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Edinburgh Science Festival  
30 Mar – 14 Apr  
10:00 – 17:00, with some events after 17:00 
Book via Edinburgh Science’s website  

Join us as we host two weeks of science-fuelled exploration at the National Museum of Scotland, from free interactive exhibits to family workshops and adult talks and events. 

Find out more nms.ac.uk/sciencefestival  

Audio-Described Access Evening: Wildlife Photographer of the Year  
16 Apr  
17:30–19:00 
Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3  

Join us after hours for an audio-described tour of key exhibits in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. The tour will last around one hour with the option to explore the exhibition independently afterwards. This event is particularly aimed at those who are blind, partially sighted or visually impaired. Recommended age is 8+. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/AudioDescribedWPY 

Sensory Sunday: Exploring Ancient Egypt  
05 May  
14:00  
Level 4, Studio 2, Learning Centre 
Free, booking required  

Families with children with additional support needs and disabilities are invited to join our programme of sensory play sessions. Explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families.

Sensory Sunday sessions are relaxed, fun hands-on, and respond to the needs of the families participating.

You are welcome to come and go at any point during a session.

These sessions are suitable for children with additional support needs, neurodivergent children or children with disabilities.

The content is aimed at ages 5-10 but is not set – we welcome all families who think they might enjoy these sessions. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/sensorysunday   

Magic Carpet Minis
Block 1 (08,15 and 22 May) 
10:30 & 14:00 on Wednesdays
£15.00 per child for block of 3
£13.50 per Member child for block of 3

Magic Carpet Minis introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and gentle way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the Natural World, Space, World Cultures and Scottish History through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and sensory play.

Book now nms.ac.uk/MagicCarpetMinis

Magic Carpet Toddlers  
Block 1 (13, 20 & 27 May)  
10:30–11:15 or 14:00–14:45 
£15.00 per child for block of 3 
£13.50 per Member child for block of 3 

Magic Carpet Toddlers introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the natural world, science and technology, world cultures and Scottish history through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and short activities. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/magiccarpettoddlers 

Wellbeing Wanders  
13-17 May  
11:30-12:00 
Meet at the Lighthouse Lens, Grand Gallery, Level 1  
Free, sign up on the day

Join us on a guided walk around the museum for Wellbeing Week. Explore the collections and take part in mini mindful sessions at each stop along the way with these short, free guided walks.   

Find out more nms.ac.uk/wellbeingwanders   

Curiosity Club: Ancient Egypt 
18 May 
10:30-12:00 
Level 4, Learning Centre  
£10 (Members and Concessions £9) 

Capturing some of the museum’s most exciting collections, this is a chance for kids to explore the museum through games, activities and gallery visits. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/curiosityclub 

Wellbeing Week: Mindful Art at the Museum  
19 May  
11:30-12:30 
Meet at the Tower Entrance, Level 1  
£10, £8 Members and Concession  

Join artist Kayleigh McCallum and mindfulness practitioner Charlene Duncan for mindful sketching in our galleries. This small group session in our galleries will start with a short introduction to mindfulness, followed by guided sketching and then some final mindfulness exercises. Suitable for all levels, including complete beginners. All materials will be provided. All ages welcome, but recommended age 8+. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/MindfulArt   

Slow Down Sunday for Families  
19 May  
10:30–11:15 & 13:00–13:45 
Event Space, Level 2 
Free, booking required 

Join author and mindfulness teacher Natasha Iregbu as she invites families to practice mindfulness in a fun and enjoyable way. Natasha and her excitable butterfly Amaya will take you on a journey of storytelling and mindfulness as they guide you and your children to use your senses and practice being in the moment. The session will include a book reading, mindfulness activities, yoga movement and a craft activity. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/SlowDownSunday   

Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: Family Encounters Day  
25 May  
10:00 – 16:30 
Grand Gallery, Level 1 
Free, drop-in 
Some activities may require sign-up on the day

At our Festival Family Encounters Day, enjoy exciting new performances and interactive experiences from local artists, pop-up theatre and dance shows, walk-about character actors and plenty of hands-on family activities. 

The full event programme will be published in early May.     

Find out more nms.ac.uk/FamilyEncounters   

National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open daily 10:00 – 16:00

Flying into the Future  
1 Apr – 5 Apr  
11:00 – 15:00 
Concorde Hangar 
Free with museum admission 

From airships to autogyros and electric to hydrogen-powered aircraft, discover how we might fly in the future with fun, family activities.

Activities include a family technical challenge where you will use craft materials to build something that flies, a staff-led tour of the Civil Aviation Hangar and a trail exploring the 50+ aircraft on display in the museum. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/IntotheFuture 

Behind the Scenes Tours 
24 Apr & 29 May  
Free with museum admission  
Booking required  

Find out about our collection of aero-engines and propellers on a curator-led tour of our Object Store. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/BehindtheScenes 


National Museum of Rural Life
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 

Spring Explorers
8 – 11 Apr 2024
10:30 – 15:30
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Our Spring Explorer school holiday activities are back, and this time they’re all to do with Scotland’s folklore and wildlife.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Spring-Explorers

Tractor Tots 
Until May 2024
10:15 & 13:30
Various dates
Ticketed

Running in blocks of three Friday morning sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for our younger visitors, introducing them to the museum and farm, and bringing it to life through interactive creative play.

Each session will take place in a different location at the museum and working farm, and will feature handling objects from our learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/tractor-tots 

Woolly Weekend  
18 & 19 May  
11:00 –16:00 
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Join us for a weekend of all things woolly at the National Museum of Rural Life. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/WoollyWeekend 

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For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789   

PYCP Easter Programme

✨ OUR EASTER PROGRAMME IS HERE! ✨

PY Lunches are back for the two week break (Except Monday 1st)

Have a look at what we’ve got on offer for the next couple of weeks!

Remember – It’s really important, if you’ve not been before to collect a consent form, or get one emailed to you!

Easter at Le Petit Beefbar

This Easter, bring together loved ones at Le Petit Beefbar for the ultimate family celebration. Enjoy a delicious jazz Sunday roast followed by an egg-citing Easter egg hunt that will put a spring in the whole family’s step.  

Split a selection of delicious sharing plates to start – from the 45-day cured croque sando, to the signature bao buns and tempura insane rock corn with sriracha mayo – before feasting on the classic slow roasted black Angus beef striploin served alongside a Yorkshire pudding, Wagyu beef dripping roast potatoes, carrots, broccolini and roasted shallots covered in a rich, bone marrow gravy.

The roasted free-range chicken is served with Beefbar sauce and all the trimmings while vegetarians can enjoy the game-changing New Meat Redefined Meat bavette for their main course.  

Toast to the bank holiday with the Cottontail Kick, a delicious chocolatey sensation made with the Easter festivities in mind. The special cocktail combines a classic espresso martini with an extra dash of chocolate, Bailey’s, and a tasty chocolate bunny on the side. 

Children of all ages are invited to take part in a delightful egg hunt throughout the Intercontinental Edinburgh The George Hotel and Le Petit Beefbar in honour of Easter Sunday, with delicious chocolate to be claimed when the Le Petit Beefbar eggs are found around the hotel.   

Free activities this Easter at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden Centre unveils family-friendly fun

Dobbies, the UK’s largest garden retailer, is welcoming families along to its Edinburgh store this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions. 

The Little Seedlings Club workshop is taking place on Sunday 7 April and the Easter Holiday session is happening on various dates throughout March and April.

Designed to ignite a passion in gardening in an educational and engaging way, the sessions in Edinburgh give children aged 3-10 years old the chance to explore a new hobby, meet friends and learn about the wonderful world of gardens.

April’s Little Seedlings Club workshop will uncover what a wildlife friendly garden is, the importance of biodiversity, alongside common wildlife that can be spotted in the garden. From pollinators like bees and butterflies to birds, frogs, hedgehogs and squirrels, there’s plenty to spot in the garden as spring arrives.

Dobbies’ Easter Holiday sessions will give attendees in Edinburgh an introduction to spring, facts about the season, how to create a colourful garden full of flowers and vegetables at home, alongside learning about the vast variety of spring baby animals that can be spotted at this time of year. Children will also learn how to plant and care for Pansy seeds and get the chance to take some home.

Sarah Murray who has developed the Easter programme of activity at Dobbies is excited to welcome families along for some free fun. She explained: “Spring is the perfect time to get back into the garden and enjoy the outdoors, and we’re eager to share our love for gardening with passionate young enthusiasts.

“We know how tricky it can be to keep the kids entertained and busy over the school holidays, so bring the whole family to Dobbies’ Edinburgh store for a fun and interactive session.”

Alongside the family-friendly events, parents can enjoy cost savings with Dobbies’ Kids Eat Free offer which runs through the day, allowing children under the age of 16 to enjoy their food for free with every traditional adult breakfast and main course meal at lunch. This includes kids’ breakfasts, lunch menu or a pick ‘n’ mix meal, plus a drink.

The restaurant is open Monday-Sunday from 9am, times may vary and customers are advised to visit dobbies.com to check the restaurant opening hours of the Edinburgh store.

For more information about Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club April session and the Easter workshop throughout March and April or to make a booking, visit:

dobbies.com/events.

North Edinburgh projects hit the Lottery jackpot

Community groups across Edinburgh will be able to provide vital services and support for thousands of local people thanks to National Lottery funding announced today.

North Edinburgh projects have done particularly well in the latest round of funding. Both North Edinburgh Arts and Stepping Stones North Edinburgh are awarded six figure sums, while Muirhouse Millennium Centre, Heart of Newhaven, Blackhall Children’s Sports Committee, Ama-zing Harmonies and Granton Parish Church are among other local organisations to receive grants today.

The latest round of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund is shared amongst 384 projects across Scotland, sharing in £15,048,544

See below for a full list of projects

North Edinburgh Arts will use their award of £148,821 to continue their ‘Green Projects’ programme which provides green spaces for local people to come together whilst offering a range of volunteering opportunities and arts and garden activities for people of all ages to get involved in.

Valla Moodie, Green Projects Manager, North Edinburgh Arts said: “This funding will enable us to start an exciting phase of work as we move back into our refurbished and extended building after two years in temporary venues, setting up our new Community Shed workshop and redeveloping our community garden at the back of our venue.

“This support, given to our ‘Green Projects’, will allow us to continue to offer opportunities for our local community that improve their health and well-being whilst contributing to the enrichment of their neighbourhood, building local resilience to big issues and sharing and supporting them with actions that combat climate change.”

STEPPING STONES North Edinburgh receive £132,020 through the Improving Lives programme.

The group, based at Inchgarvie Court in West Pilton, will use the funding to continue delivering their Family Wellbeing project, supporting primary school children and their families by providing individual, group and equine mental health support in North West Edinburgh.

Thanks to an award of £126,671, Deaf Action will run a digital literacy programme to help deaf people across the city develop and improve their skillset.

Support will be provided through a series of one-to-one sessions and group work covering specific topics such as word processing, scam awareness, healthcare apps and video calling software.

Lauren McAnna, Community Services Manager, Deaf Action said: “Our Digital Inclusion Service will support deaf people living across Edinburgh to become digitally empowered, unlocking a world of information, resources and opportunities that will foster greater independence and help improve life outcomes.

“We will support deaf adults and older people who face significant barriers to communication and social inclusion and who are likely to be experiencing financial hardship and/or socioeconomic disadvantage. 

“By supporting deaf people to overcome barriers to digital literacy they can become more connected and active citizens, have increased independence and improved wellbeing in many aspects of their lives.”

An award of £19,929 to Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland means they can continue to identify more victims of human trafficking across the city.

Joy M Gillespie, CEO, Survivors of Human Trafficking said: “We will be able to work with our cross-sector partners to recover more victims of human trafficking in Edinburgh and provide vital prevention information to those most at risk. 

“We believe there is power in partnership and are grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund for partnering with us to help end end human trafficking in Scotland.”

Announcing the funding, Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund said: “This latest round of National Lottery funding will be distributed to groups across Edinburgh who are providing a range of essential services and support for thousands of local people, helping to make a real difference to their lives.

“As The National Lottery prepares to mark its 30th birthday later this year, today’s investment is a timely reminder of the difference that National Lottery players continue to make to communities across the country.”

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes funding on behalf of National Lottery players who raise more than £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK.   

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk    

£30 million more funding to support mental health services

Further community support for adults, children and young people

Two funds to support projects aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing in adults, children and young people have been awarded a further £30 million.

The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults, and the Children and Young People’s Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Supports, have been awarded £15 million each for 2024-25.

Launched in 2021, the fund for adults has supported grass roots community groups to deliver programmes for adults which build resilience and tackle social isolation, loneliness and mental health inequalities. Projects focused on connecting people and providing peer support were delivered through activities such as sport, outdoor activities and the arts.

Funding for the children and young people’s support began in 2020 to help with the mental health impact of the pandemic and its restrictions.

The new funding means more than £65 million has been made available to local authorities since then to deliver community-based mental health and wellbeing support for five to 24 year-olds and their families.

Support delivered includes mentoring, art-based therapies, digital services, whole-family support, counselling and sport or physical activities.

First Minister Humza Yousaf, who today visited Edinburgh Community Performing Arts Re-connect project for older people, said: “On becoming First Minister I reiterated my personal commitment to supporting those living with mental health challenges.

“We know how important it is for our society to have access to mental health and wellbeing support. That is why my government is committed to ensuring we fund vital services in our health service and in community settings to ensure we try, as much as possible, to provide a national network of community support for adults, children and young people.

“This further £30 million will fund community based projects which are focused on prevention and early intervention, and this is a significant step forward in supporting people’s mental health and wellbeing by making sure they can easily access the help they need, when and where they need it.

“Since 2020 the Scottish Government has invested over £100 million in community-based mental health support. An independent evaluation published last year shows that projects for adults have lowered social isolation thereby alleviating some of the negative mental and physical health impacts from the pandemic, as well as providing support and self-help for individuals with ill mental health issues.

“More than 300 children and young people’s supports and services are in now in place across the country, and evaluation published by the Scottish Youth Parliament found that nearly three-quarters of young people agreed or strongly agreed that they received support when they needed it.”

Fundraiser and Project Manager at Edinburgh Community Performing Arts Emma Stewart-Jones said: “We are delighted to have funding from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.

“The difference that these community arts projects can have on individual’s health, sociability and well-being can be profound.”

Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter at Vue

A host of brand-new animated adventures and all-time family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the school holidays.  

For the first time in almost a decade, the world’s most unlikely kung fu master Po bounces back onto this big screen with a hilarious new chapter, in Kung Fu Panda 4 on 28 March 

Facing his most fearsome foe yet in the many forms of the powerful sorceress The Chameleon, Po (voiced by the iconic Jack Black) must use his courageous Dragon Warrior martial arts skills to defend the Valley of Peace. However, he’s not alone, as he must team up with the crafty fox thief Zhen (voiced by Awkwafina) in this butt-kicking mission to ensure the world remains peaceful and at balance.  

This Easter break will also see some familiar heroes take up the call when Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire brings paranormal pranks and ghostly grins to Vue from 22 March. Returning to New York City, the Spengler Family from Ghostbusters: Afterlife must unite with the original Ghostbusters to take on an evil force that threatens the world with a second Ice Age.  

With a cast that includes newer names such as Paul Rudd and Finn Wolfhard and original ‘busters Bill Murray and Dan Akyroyd, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire looks to provide eerie thrills for the entire family this half term.  

Sweeter than a spoonful of sugar, both Mary Poppins and its recent sequel Mary Poppins Returns are heading back to the big screen at Vue this Easter, marking 60 years since the release of the iconic first film.     

Making its debut on the big screen after exclusively releasing on streaming platforms, Disney’s recent adventure Luca will be playing at Vue from the 5 April. Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, this animated adventure tells a coming-of-age story about one young boy’s unforgettable summer filled with gelato, scooters and his new best friend – who turns out to be a sea monster from a secret world below the ocean.  

Vue will also be bringing back some of the biggest family films from the past year, perfect for Easter viewing including the chocolatey charm of Wonka from 29 March and Disney’s Wish from 5 April as part of the Vue Mini Mornings series, shown every day across Half Term at 10am.  

Robert Lea, Head of Screen Content at Vue Entertainment, said ‘We’ve got a great selection of new films and big screen entertainment on show this Easter providing the perfect way to enjoy quality time with the family over the school break.  

‘With film screenings from just £4.99 online at selected venues the big screen experience at Vue is the perfect treat during the Easter holidays. 

‘Even better, our Vue Mini Mornings at 10am, will continue to show the latest kids’ films at just £2.49 a ticket if purchased online and £3.49 in venue. Parents and children can come along, switch off and immerse themselves in great stories.” 
 

Tickets are available now at www.myvue.com

Worried and Waiting: Record waiting times for children in NHS Lothian

NHS Lothian has the longest patients waiting times for treatment, with 69.1% of total patients waiting over 12 weeks. 2382 out of 3448 paediatric patients in NHS Lothian waited over 12 weeks for treatment.

In NHS Highland 48.9% of patients were waiting over 12 weeks at that time. This is in comparison to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde where over 12 week waits made up only 19.2%, and NHS Grampian which stood at 12.9%.

The report by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Worried and waiting: A review of paediatric waiting times in Scotland 2024, stated that –

It is worrying that children and young people are waiting longer than 12 weeks to be seen in paediatrics. However, what is the most concerning is that in September 2023, 13 out of 14 health boards in Scotland were experiencing very high waits over 12 weeks, with only NHS Western Isles achieving the national standard rate.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “It is extremely concerning that young people in Lothian are waiting over 12 weeks for treatment.

“Over two thirds of young people are now waiting over the 12 week waiting target which is unacceptable.

“SNP mismanagement of our NHS means that hundreds of children are not being seen a quickly as they should be, nowhere more so than in NHS Lothian.

“We urgently need to see our health service properly run. 

“It is also important that NHS Lothian receives funding parity with other health boards.

“This tired SNP Government has had no answers for years.”

Support for family mental health

Funding for perinatal and infant services

Charities providing support to pregnant women, new mums and their families are to share £1.5 million expand and enhance their mental health and wellbeing services.

It has been estimated that up to 20% of mums and up to 10% of dads are affected by poor mental health in the perinatal period.

The Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Fund, which is now open for applications, enables organisations to provide a range of one-to-one and group-based support and care for parents, carers and new babies.

Over 10,000 parents, expectant parents and infants have been supported by existing funded organisations since 2019.

The new round of funding will start from October 2024.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “It is very important that all mothers and their families have access to good mental healthcare throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period.

“The third sector provides vital access to perinatal mental health support, and we are dedicated to supporting them to do so.

“This latest round of funding of up to £1.5 million, building on previous awards of over £2.8 million over four years, is designed to increase the provision of parenting and infant support, peer support and counselling or psychological support. The Fund will enable organisations to provide the services that women and their families need.”

Marie Balment, Infant Mental Health Lead, Perinatal Mental Health Network Scotland said: “We’re delighted the Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Fund has been opened for a new round of funding for 18 months.

“This will enable statutory perinatal and infant mental health services to work alongside charity partners to continue offering essential perinatal mental health services that support families with babies.

“The contribution of third sector organisations is needed now more than ever, providing necessary support to parents recovering from mental illness and promoting the mental wellbeing of families during a time of vulnerability. This includes vital work promoting positive parent – infant relationships and infant mental wellbeing, which has a lifelong impact.”

Kaylie Allen, Director of Funds at Inspiring Scotland said: “We are pleased to be managing the application process for the next 18 months of Scottish Government Perinatal and Infant Mental Health funding.   

“We know from the last three years of managing the fund the extraordinary impact community-based peer, parenting and infant focussed support can make for babies, parents, and families. It is so important that we focus on the early years to give all children the best start in life.” 

Perinatal Infant Mental Health Fund 2024 – Inspiring Scotland

Start for Life campaign: If They Could Tell You

A new UK government campaign is to be launched to support parents as research highlights some are unaware their baby’s mental health impacts their early development.

  • A new government campaign aims to support parents in nurturing their bond with their baby.
  • New research highlights many parents are unaware of the link between their baby’s good mental health and early childhood development.
  • Building close relationships in this critical period of social and emotional development reduces the likelihood of mental health difficulties throughout their lives.

A new government campaign – Start for Life’s If They Could Tell You – has launched to support parents to help build secure bonds to help nurture their baby’s future mental health, along with easy-to-follow guidance on the Start for Life website.

The campaign aims to highlight that babies’ expressions, reactions, noises, and cries are the way they communicate their needs and feelings to parents which in some cases can be an indication of their mental wellbeing.

The government wants to help parents and carers learn how to interpret these cues so they can find the best way to meet their babies’ needs.

A baby’s brain is making one million neural connections every second, making pregnancy and the first 2 years so important for their healthy development. These connections are formed as a result of the interaction between parents and their babies, laying the foundations for their physical and emotional wellbeing, now and in future. Secure relationships with parents and carers positively impacts child development outcomes and reduces the likelihood of mental health difficulties.

Minister for Public Health, Start for Life and Primary Care, Dame Andrea Leadsom said: “We are committed to giving every baby the best start in life, and promoting that vital secure attachment between babies and their parents in the 1,001 critical days from pregnancy to two years old is crucial for their future well-being.

“Speaking with parents across the country, I’ve heard first-hand that they need more support around how to better build those connections. Parents can access a range of support and advice, in person via family hubs and on the Start for Life website.

“We are also launching new guidance for frontline practitioners, aimed at helping them to start conversations with parents about building their relationship with their baby.

England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy said: “A strong, loving connection between parents or carers and their baby can play a significant role in developing the brain and protecting their mental health as they grow up.

“This campaign will make it easier for parents and carers to interpret the way their baby is communicating with them and understand how best to meet their baby’s needs.

“Raising a baby is not easy and I hope that new NHS trusted advice provided through the campaign will be a helpful source of information and support to parents and carers.

“New guidance for frontline practitioners will also help start conversations with parents and carers to explore their relationship with their baby, in order to provide support.”

The early years are a crucial time for the development of a child’s brain.  Over a third (41%) of parents of under twos in England are unaware that mental health starts to impact a child’s development before they are two.

Whilst most parents (95%) feel confident in supporting their baby’s emotional and social development, more than two thirds (73%) of parents in the survey indicated they would welcome support in nurturing their connection with their baby further.  

The new survey from Censuswide, which explored parents’ understanding of building a positive connection with their baby, also found that over half (53%) of parents believe that parenting advice they received in their baby’s early life, such as letting the baby ‘cry it out’ (53%) and limiting physical affection (52%) to avoid the baby becoming clingy was outdated, with almost a third (31%) of parents feeling guilty for following this advice when their baby’s cues indicated otherwise.

Child development expert Dr Amanda Gummer said: “Building a strong connection with your baby from pregnancy onwards helps to foster a sense of love and security, laying the foundations for their future wellbeing and mental health.

Dr Amanda Gummer has these tips for parents to help interpret cues and build strong connections with your baby:  

Mirror your baby’s reactions and emotions

Babies need you to help them learn about themselves and the world around them. Your baby might be telling you they’re ready to play if they’re smiling or cooing. You can mirror your baby’s reactions and emotions – such as smiling back if they have bright eyes – as this shows them that it’s OK to express those emotions. 

Comfort your baby when they are crying

It’s important to respond to their cries, as well as their smiles, with love and reassurance. If your baby is crying, try soothing them with gentle rocking, speaking softly, or singing to them.

Remember, you can’t ‘spoil’ a baby with too many cuddles and it doesn’t make them clingy. Babies will cry for different lengths and at different times, so try not to compare your baby to others. Babies also cry for different reasons; pain cries can be different to hunger or tired cries so try to understand what they’re telling you to help you respond appropriately. Looking after yourself is also really important and will help you to comfort your baby’s cries. 

Enjoy playing face-to-face with your baby in everyday moments

The more you cuddle, look at and play face-to-face with your baby, the more secure they’ll feel, and the more independent they’ll become. In time, they will feel confident that you will be there for them. This can be as simple as saying what they do and name what they see, as you’re going about your routine.

Let your baby take breaks when they need them (and the same goes for you!)

Your baby’s body language, facial expressions, noises, and cries are their ways of telling you what they need. Sometimes they might be telling you they just need a break. Show them that it’s ok if they need to try something different, or to just to rest. Remember to also take care of yourself, and take a moment when needed, so you’re ready to understand and respond to your baby’s cues.

Further information on family hubs can be found here:  

https://familyhubs.campaign.gov.uk