THE CHALLENGE
Barnardo's ABC PiP (Attachment, Bonding and Communication Parent-Infant Partnership) was an innovative early intervention programme supporting expectant parents and families with babies up to 24 months old across Northern Ireland.
The project was developed to promote healthy attachment, bonding, communication and positive infant mental health through therapeutic support and practical interventions. Working with families during the critical first 1001 days, the programme aimed to strengthen parent-infant relationships and improve outcomes for babies and their caregivers.
To support these objectives, Barnardo's required a practical, evidence-informed intervention that could be delivered by practitioners working directly with families through group sessions, one-to-one support and tailored interventions.
The organisation was looking for training that would align with its parent-infant relationship approach while providing staff with practical skills that could be immediately applied within their work with families.
Delivering Practical Support for Families
A key strength of the project was the ability to translate attachment theory into practical experiences for parents.
Through Baby Massage and Baby Yoga, practitioners were able to help parents:
- Build confidence in handling and understanding their baby
- Develop positive interaction and communication skills
- Strengthen emotional connections
- Support bonding and attachment
- Create positive daily routines
- Enjoy meaningful one-to-one time with their baby
The practical nature of the techniques meant that parents could easily continue using the skills at home, extending the benefits beyond the sessions themselves.
Delivery in Practice
Training was delivered face-to-face in Northern Ireland and provided practitioners with the knowledge, practical skills and confidence required to deliver Baby Massage and Baby Yoga sessions safely and effectively.
The training was designed to support a wide range of family support activities including:
- Parent and baby groups
- One-to-one family support
- Targeted interventions
- Community-based programmes
- Early years support services
Practitioners were encouraged to use the techniques flexibly within their existing roles, helping to embed attachment-focused practice throughout the wider ABC PiP programme.
Barnardos face to face baby massage training course
What participants said
Roberta Marshall, Commissioner
Roberta Marshall, Commissioner
Roberta Marshall, Commissioner
"This training was commissioned because of the attachment focus of the training and the way that a practical parenting tool can be shared with the wider parenting community through classes, one-to-one support and tailored interventions."
ABC PiP Practitioner
Roberta Marshall, Commissioner
Roberta Marshall, Commissioner
"I loved this training. It was so practical and so relevant. I can't wait to share it with my parents."
Parent, Lisburn
Roberta Marshall, Commissioner
Parent, Lisburn
"Baby massage was one of the best things I did with my baby. It helped with colic and sleeping which was amazing. I also really enjoyed making friends at the classes. It was so nice to meet people who were in the same position as me."