NSPCC launch new campaign to support parents with young babies across Liverpool

Local authorities and early years professionals across Merseyside will join together this week with the launch of a new NSPCC partnership offering free support to parents with young babies.

Councils in Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral, with support and funding from Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership are working with the NSPCC to promote its Look, Say, Sing, Play campaign.

Look, Say, Sing, Play is open to anyone who helps to look after a baby in Merseyside, and it involves signing up to receive free, weekly tips to strengthen the bond between carer and child and help young minds develop.

The campaign is based on brain science, but the basics of the campaign are very straightforward.

Parents and carers are encouraged to Look at what their baby is focusing on and how they react, Say what they’re doing and copy the sounds their baby makes, Sing along to their favourite tune and Play simple games and see what their baby enjoys.

Mubashar Khaliq, the NSPCC’s local campaigns manager for the North West, said this new partnership was set to be the charity’s biggest event in the region.

Mubashar said: “Look, Say, Sing, Play is a terrific campaign, and gives new parents the confidence to have fun with their babies, safe in the knowledge that every song they sing or game they play will help develop their brain.

“You don’t need fancy or expensive toys to take part, every time you use silly voices, play or just sing with a baby, you’re helping their mind grow.

“More than that, you’re also helping to develop a powerful bond with the baby, which could last a lifetime. Anyone can sign up for the free sessions and emails, and we’re really excited to be launching Look, Say, Sing, Play across Merseyside.”

Research has shown that two-thirds of parents don’t understand the brain-building benefits of two-way interaction with a baby.

From the moment they’re born, babies’ minds need nourishment, and it can be difficult to think up new ways for mums, dads, grandparents and carers to keep them engaged. That’s where Look, Say, Sing, Play can help.

Find out more about this new NSPCC campaign here.