Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is responsible for the writing, publishing and updating of the content on this page.

You're viewing the site locally in: Hampshire

Infant Mental Health Service

Find out what you need to know about our new Infant Mental Health Service (IMHS) launch.

Infant mental health means the emotional and social well-being of babies from birth to age two. It’s all about how infants form secure relationships, express emotions, and begin to explore the world around them.

Why is this service being launched?

It is based on strong evidence showing that early emotional development is crucial for lifelong health and wellbeing. By introducing this to Hampshire, we aim to support families during the earliest and most important stages of a child’s life.

Who are the professionals in IMHS?

The IMHS is made up of trained specialist health visitors, health visitors, early years practitioners, and community nursery nurses with years of experience, so you know you’ll be in good hands.

How can parents access the service?

The service is available to families across Hampshire. More details about how to access support, including referral pathways and eligibility, will be shared soon. In the meantime, parents and professionals can email hv.infantmentalhealthteam@southernhealth.nhs.uk

ChatHealth Logo

Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust runs a confidential secure text messaging service for parents of children aged 0-19 years called ChatHealth. The service operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, excluding bank holidays. All texts will be responded to by a public health nurse (health visitor/school nurse) within 24 hours. Outside of the service working hours, you’ll receive a message back to inform you that your text will be responded to once the line reopens.

Should you require urgent health advice in the meantime, please contact your GP, visit an NHS walk-in centre or call NHS 111. For emergencies, dial 999 or visit A&E.

This page was last reviewed on 08-08-2025

This page will be next reviewed on 08-08-2028