TODAYS THE DAY!

The AiMH UK Founders Award 2024
‘To recognise those who have highlighted and promoted the work of infant mental health in their discipline or organisation’  

Winner: Claire Le Quesne

Claire Le Quesne is a pioneering and passionate advocate for infant mental health, having single-handedly transformed early years services within CAMHS Jersey. As the island’s only Parent-Infant Psychotherapist, she tirelessly supports children, families, and professionals, embedding early intervention across multiple sectors.

Claire has been instrumental in developing and delivering key parent support programmes, such as Mellow Parenting and the Under 5 Parenting Course, with adaptations for neurodivergent families. Her expertise extends beyond therapy—she provides training, consultation, and multi-agency collaboration, ensuring a holistic, strengths-based approach to care.

A dedicated and inspiring team member, Claire’s compassion, innovation, and commitment have left a lasting impact on children, families, and colleagues. Her work has reshaped infant mental health services in Jersey, making her a truly deserving recipient of recognition for her invaluable contributions.

The AIMHigh Award 2024
‘In recognition of a Health Visitor or Early Years Practitioner who has shown a commitment to raising awareness of Infant Mental Health’  

Winner: Emma Gibney

Emma Gibney is a highly skilled and dedicated Early Years Practitioner whose passion for infant mental health has made a lasting impact in North East Lincolnshire. Working within NAViGO’s Perinatal Mental Health Service and the Growing Well Together Parent-Infant Relationship Service, she ensures that even the most hard-to-reach families receive vital support.

Fondly known as the “baby whisperer” by families, Emma has a remarkable ability to translate complex psychological concepts into accessible, practical insights, empowering caregivers to build confidence in their parenting. She applies a range of interventions, including Newborn Behavioural Observations, Circle of Security groups, GroBrain, Baby Massage/Yoga, and Video Interactive Guidance, always prioritizing a trauma-informed and infant-centered approach.

Emma is also a trailblazer in developing innovative approaches to infant mental health. As a Newborn Behavioural Observation Champion and Brazelton Champion, she leads professional working groups to enhance best practices and advocate for the emotional wellbeing of babies. Her leadership in evaluating and improving interventions has influenced service development and commissioning, further amplifying her impact.

Through her expertise, compassion, and commitment, Emma has transformed local services, strengthened multi-agency collaboration, and put North East Lincolnshire on the map for best practices in early years mental health. Her dedication makes her a truly deserving candidate for this award.

The Louise Emanuel Award 2024 

‘To recognise those who have demonstrated a significant contribution to Infant Mental Health in terms of practice or through their work in research and policy’ 

Winners: Drs Sarah Ann Peter & Eva Cranshaw

Dr. Sarah Peter and Dr. Eva Crasnow have been recognised for their pioneering work at Chorus, a social enterprise they founded to address gaps in services for families facing adversity. With decades of experience in the NHS, local authorities, and charity settings, they created Chorus to provide early intervention for families dealing with challenges such as domestic abuse, poverty, and homelessness, focusing on trauma-informed care and attachment theory. Chorus has been transformative, offering therapeutic groups and preventive interventions that prioritize infant mental health and caregiver-child relationships, aiming to support children before difficulties become entrenched. Their innovative approach combines clinical practice with research, and their commitment to diversity and inclusion strengthens the support they provide. Through services like the Adoption Parent Toddler Group, reflective parent groups, and individual family support, Chorus has had a profound impact on adoptive families, improving attachment, mental health, and long-term outcomes for both children and parents. Their work has also enhanced the expertise of social workers in understanding the complex mental health needs of young children, establishing Chorus as a model of best practice in the field.

AiMH-Together award 2024 

‘In recognition of an Infant Mental Health Team working collaboratively and creatively to improve infant mental health outcomes for babies in their community’. 

Winners: DorPIP – The Dorset Parent-Infant Partnership

Founded in 2017 by Viv Allen, DorPIP has empowered over 1,000 parents, fostering healthy parent-infant relationships during the critical first 1,001 days. Through collaboration with NHS, local authorities, and charities, DorPIP provides vital support, mental health resources, and community connections to vulnerable families. The charity has trained over 150 health professionals and advocated for improved public policies through events like the Building Brighter Futures conference. Expanding to six locations, DorPIP has enhanced access to support and contributed to service mapping. Their dedication to advancing infant mental health, advocating for babies’ needs, and shaping policies has transformed communities. With a strong, baby-focused approach, DorPIP aligns with AIMH’s vision, making a lasting impact. We are thrilled that this team have won the AiMH – Together Award.