These materials are aimed at early years practitioners and are focused on both children's and staff mental health.
Early years in mind resources (Anna Freud Centre)
Early Years in Mind is a free learning network developed by the Anna Freud Centre, specifically designed for early years practitioners.
This network provides practical guidance, expert information, and resources to help you support the mental health and holistic development of the babies and young children in your care.
Join the Early Years in Mind network to access regular updates and professional development resources
- Working with families facing challenges
- Dealing with common difficulties
- Early years in mind resources
- Talking with families about a child's PSED when you have concerns
- Best Start in Life - early learning and development
Other resources to support emotional health
- Trauma in early childhood (Barnardos)
- Childhood trauma and the brain
- Childhood trauma and the brain in the social world
- Article: Pathways to vulnerability
- How the brain adapts to adversity
- Linking childhood trauma to mental health
- How to promote resilience and recovery
- Childhood trauma and the brain for teachers
Wellbeing and support for staff in Hackney
As a valuable staff member, your wellbeing is vital. Not just for you, but for the children and families you support. We want to ensure you have easy access to the resources and care you need.
Below are the support services available to you, both through Hackney Council and within our local community.
Professional support (Employee Assistance Programme)
All staff and your immediate family members have access to free, independent, and confidential support through Workplace Options (WPO). This service is available 24/7. Support includes counselling (telephone and face-to-face), debt management, legal guidance, and work-life balance advice.
Phone: 0800 243 458
Email: assistance@workplaceoptions.com
Online: Access Workplace Options
Hackney Council wellbeing initiatives
If you are employed by the Council, take advantage of these internal initiatives designed to help you stay healthy and connected:
- Mental Health Champions Network: Trained colleagues across the organisation who are available to support you and signpost you to further help
- Wellbeing Wednesday: Join our weekly online sessions for activities like mindfulness, resilience building, and yoga
- Occupational health: Access professional support, guidance, and ongoing health evaluations via Health Management Limited.
Local NHS and community services
If you prefer independent or NHS-led support, you can access these local Hackney services directly:
- Talk Changes: The local NHS talking therapies service provides free, confidential support for stress, anxiety, and depression. You can self-refer via the Talk Changes NHS website
- City and Hackney Wellbeing Network: A partnership of local agencies (including Mind) offering affordable counselling, therapeutic groups, and wellness activities. Find local providers
Specialist early years support
- Early Years in Mind (Anna Freud Centre): A free learning network specifically designed for early years practitioners. It provides expert resources and practical guidance to help you support the mental health and holistic development of the babies and young children in your care