The For Baby's Sake Trust

This December, we’re delighted to have distributed festive hampers to families we support in London and the East of England.   These hampers bring a little extra comfort and warmth during a challenging time for many.   A huge thank you to Barratt East London (Barratt London) for their generous donations, and for helping coordinate the delivery to our London families — your kindness has made such a difference.    Together, we’re making the festive season brighter for families. Barratt Redrow

Doesn’t matter how qualified you are, or how many years of experience you have - you are not immune to vicarious trauma & hearing self-care messages. #traumainformed #domesticabuse #staffwellbeing

An important reminder for us all over the Christmas period …

Vicarious trauma occurs when #professionals are deeply affected by the stories of pain and distress they encounter in their work, leading to emotional exhaustion, feelings of helplessness, or even changes in worldview.   This form of #trauma can be especially pronounced during high-stress periods like Christmas, when the festive season’s societal expectations contrast sharply with the realities faced by #families experiencing domestic abuse. For professionals, the weight of these experiences can be compounded by personal pressures, leaving them feeling emotionally drained. Recognising the signs of vicarious trauma, such as difficulty #sleeping or heightened #anxiety, is crucial. Practising self-care, accessing supervision, and seeking peer support can help mitigate its impact, ensuring professionals are equipped to provide care without compromising their own well-being during this demanding time. Learn more in our blog with Innovating Minds here: https://lnkd.in/eBTaavYZ

In an article for Open Access Government, our Director of Operations, Judith Rees (previously Wright), shines a spotlight on the crucial topic of maternal mental health. She explores the complex interplay between maternal well-being and the lifelong impact it has on babies and families.   🔍 Key insights from Judith's piece:   ▶️ Maternal mental health is closely linked to early childhood development and family stability. ▶️ Recognising risks, such as domestic abuse and perinatal mental health challenges, is essential for effective intervention. ▶️ Pathways to support must be holistic, offering compassionate care for parents while safeguarding children.   At The For Baby’s Sake Trust, we’re proud to support this conversation and champion solutions that address these challenges. Our programme focuses on breaking cycles of trauma by supporting both parents, creating healthier futures for babies.   💡 Read Judith’s full article here: https://lnkd.in/epiga-8x

The Local Government Association’s (LGA) recent report, Our Vision for Children, Young People and Families, highlights a critical issue in children’s social care: the prevalence of domestic abuse within #family settings. According to the report, concerns about domestic abuse were identified in 160,600 assessments (31.7% of those with factors identified) in 2023/24, while children were directly identified as victims in 55,040 assessments (10.9%). These figures are a stark reminder of the challenges we face in #safeguarding children.   However, they also expose significant gaps in how we conceptualise, record the impact of domestic abuse on #babies and #children and develop our practice.   Read a full response from our Deputy Director of Operations, Becky Reynolds, here: https://lnkd.in/eETcGQ38

Do you want to learn more about how childhood experiences can shape our relationships, behaviours, and mental health as adults?   Join Judith Rees and Brenda Evans from The For Baby's Sake Trust for The Neuroscience of Childhood: How Your Early Years Shape Adulthood, an online workshop hosted by Seed Talks.   This workshop will explore the science behind early brain development, emotional regulation, and how we can empower parents and caregivers to create safer, healthier environments for babies and children.   📅 When: Monday, 3 February 2025 ⏰ Time: 6:30–8:30pm GMT 💻 Where: Online   🎟 Tickets available here: https://bit.ly/4gBVLoX #neuroscience #earlyyears #mentalhealth

➡️ Do you support families impacted by domestic abuse? ➡️ Are you passionate about how we collectively address a significant public health issue like domestic abuse? ➡️ Are you a researcher exploring what makes a difference to babies, children and families? ➡️ Are you a funder keen to support programmes to break cycles of domestic abuse? You might find it helpful to read the Theory of Change we developed this year for The For Baby's Sake Trust. This year-long process involved the whole team and Trustees, with external support from the Ideas Alliance CIC. We are passionate about breaking cycles of domestic abuse and giving babies the best start in life. #domesticabuse #theoryofchange ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/ecG6Sfif

How can I support babies, young children and parents during the festive season? Domestic abuse can escalate during Christmas due to financial strain, heightened emotions, increased alcohol consumption, and the pressures of maintaining a festive image. Babies and young children, who are often presumed to be unaffected by their surroundings, are particularly vulnerable. Professionals working with families in crisis are at the front line of #safeguarding vulnerable children. It is essential to approach these situations with a trauma-informed perspective, which focuses on building safety, trust, and understanding for all involved. ▶️Recognise the Signs of Trauma in Babies and Young Children: Babies and young children may not have the words to express their experiences, but their behaviours often speak volumes. Signs of #trauma can include excessive crying, difficulty sleeping, clinginess, or developmental delays. Early years professionals can help by observing these behaviours and gently engaging with parents to explore potential causes. ▶️Build a Safe and Nurturing Environment: Creating a predictable, calm, and emotionally warm environment can act as a buffer against the chaos a child might face at home. In #nurseries, this could mean maintaining consistent routines and responding to children’s emotional needs with patience and care. For #midwives and #healthvisitors, offering a safe space for parents to share concerns can help them feel less isolated. ▶️Engage with Parents Compassionately: Many #parents experiencing domestic abuse fear judgment or intervention from professionals. A trauma-informed approach involves understanding their circumstances without blame. Learn more in our blog with Innovating Minds here: https://lnkd.in/eBTaavYZ

We’re Hiring: Therapeutic Practitioner   We’re looking for a Therapeutic Practitioner to deliver our innovative, trauma-informed programme in the East of England. This role involves working with parents during pregnancy and beyond, helping them overcome the impact of domestic abuse and unresolved trauma to create safe, nurturing homes for their children.   📍 Location: Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Essex (home-based with hybrid working) 💼 Salary: £36,050 per annum 🗓️ Apply by 12th January 2025   Make a lasting difference in the lives of families. Apply today: https://bit.ly/3Dejopc   #Recruitment #HertfordshireJobs #BedfordshireJobs #EssexJobs #CharityJob #CharityRecruitment #Hiring