The 1001 Critical Days podcast launches today (21 July) with an interview with Mario and Amy Creatura, parents of one year-old twins, who describe the virtual support they received after the birth of their babies - and how they want this to remain in place alongside face-to-face services for all new parents.
Parents also speak to Ms Leadsom about the need for better mental health support for both Mums and Dads, reinforcing research from the Royal Foundation’s Centre for Early Childhood which revealed that only 10 per cent of parents looked after their own mental health in pregnancy.
The series features discussions with leading professionals, academics and volunteers from the sector around the science, psychology and experiences of the early years.
Ms Leadsom is also inviting the early years sector to get involved by sharing their thoughts with her at andrea.leadsom.mp@parliament.uk.
She said, ‘This 1001 Critical Days podcast will feature some of those who have been part of the Early Years Healthy Development Review’s ambitious journey. From parents to politicians, practitioners to academics, each episode explores different aspects of the early years. Parents in particular have had a tough time during the pandemic, and those interviewed have been open about their experience.
‘From the importance of digital support to the vital role of Family Hubs, the great work of health visitors to learning from the devolved nations, I hope the 1001 Critical Days podcast will give a voice for parents, carers and early years professionals and form part of the vision for ensuring that every baby gets the best start for life.’
The Review’s sponsoring ministers - Jo Churchill MP and Penny Mordaunt MP – along with Lord Blunkett, former Secretary of State for Education, who is an advocate for the best start for life, will be featured in the series.
New episodes of the 1001 Critical Days podcast will be released every Wednesday, starting from today. The guest list includes:
- Mario and Amy Creatura, new parents in lockdown
- Jo Churchill MP, minister for public health
- Robin Balbernie, child psychotherapist
- Cristina Adone, head of family policy at the Centre for Social Justice
- Penny Mordaunt MP, paymaster general
- Vicky Sansom, parent
- Agnes Ageypong, head of engagement at Best Beginnings, and Yasmin Morgan, new parent in lockdown
- Imran Hussain, director of policy and campaigns at Action for Children
- Lord David Blunkett
- Siobhan Baillie MP, new parent in lockdown and member of the Review’s Parliamentary Advisory Group
- Saqib Bhatti MP
- Judy Crompton, former midwife and Andrea Leadsom’s mother
To listen to the 1001 Critical Days podcast, visit https://anchor.fm/andrea-leadsom.
- The Early Years Healthy Development Review’s report launched in March this year, setting out six key action areas that will improve early years support and services for families. The Review is now in its implementation phase, putting into practice the 29 individual recommendations that will ensure every baby gets the best start for life.