Growing Little Minds: Specialist Health Visiting Service

Find out what you need to know about Growing Little Minds.

Parent/Caregiver information

The early years of your baby’s life are some of the most important for their development. During this time, babies begin to build secure relationships, show their emotions, and explore the world around them.

Our specialist team works closely with babies aged 0-2 years and their families to support babies very first relationships and experiences. These early moments help shape healthy brain development, emotional wellbeing, and social skills.

We know from research and experience that when babies are supported in their earliest years, they have the best chance to grow into confident, happy adults who can reach their full potential.

Why your baby might benefit from support

We know that a baby’s early years can bring lots of joy, but also some challenges. We believe that getting the right support early on can make a real and lasting difference for you and your baby. Our team offers gentle, early support using approaches that focus on your strengths as a caregiver and are informed by the latest evidence about what babies need to thrive.

When emotional, social or relational difficulties are identified and supported early, it can prevent small worries from becoming bigger challenges later.

By helping you understand, connect with and respond to your baby, the Growing Little Minds team supports the development of your babies secure attachment, emotional resilience, and positive mental health right from the very start of life.

Who we are

We are a small, friendly team of experienced health visitors, early years practitioners and community nursery nurses. Using evidence‑informed approaches, we support babies and families throughout Hampshire.

How you can get support

Referrals to our service can be made by the health visiting team supporting you. We also accept referrals from Hampshire Perinatal Mental Health Services, the Hampshire Children in Care Team, and local neonatal units.

Coming summer 2026… Watch this space for self-referral 

Babies We Support

We support babies and families who may be experiencing, or have experienced, a range of circumstances that can impact a baby’s social and emotional development, as well as the developing relationship between the baby and their caregiver. These circumstances may include:

• Prematurity
• Prolonged hospital admissions
• Known additional vulnerabilities or safeguarding needs
• Concerns about the quality of the relationship or connection between the baby and their caregiver
• Severe and persistent crying, feeding challenges, or sleep difficulties that have not improved with universal Health Visiting support

Our approach

We provide tailored care based on the needs of each baby and family. Our team delivers evidence‑informed interventions and care across the following areas:

Early Relationship Support: Helping to strengthen the emotional connection and interactions between babies and their caregivers.

Observation and Feedback: Carefully observing your baby and your interactions together, and providing sensitive, reflective feedback.

Developmental Guidance: Offering advice and reassurance to support your baby’s social, emotional, and developmental needs.

Play: Supporting play that promotes connection, curiosity, enjoyment, and your baby’s social, emotional, and early developmental skills.

Community and Resource Connection: Supporting families to access appropriate community services, groups, and local resources.

Please note: This service currently isn’t available in Portsmouth, Southampton, or Isle of Wight.