Mayo Baby Week 2023

In celebration of Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2023, the Active & Healthy Early Years Sub Group of Mayo CYPSC, in partnership with the Mayo Infant Mental Health Forum have created 'Mayo Baby Week'.

The theme of Mayo Baby Week 2023 is "Early Relationships Really Matter"

(click on the links below to book events, where applicable)

Infant Mental Health Recommended Reads 

As part of Mayo Infant Mental Health Week a list of recommended reads for new parents has been compiled by Mayo Primary Care Adult Psychology service in conjunction with Mayo CYPSC. All books are available from your local Mayo library on request.

See the catalogue here. And remember it's free to join the library.


Programme of Events for Mayo Baby Week 2023

Monday, 12th June – Infant mental health is everybody’s business

Mary Skillington (ATU) in conversation with Dr Jeananne Garavan –

‘Do Early Relationships Really Matter?’

Room P002 Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Castlebar, 1pm–2pm

Key message: Infant mental health is everybody’s business. No booking required. All welcome.


Tuesday, 13th June – Now we’re talking!

Drama & Rhythm Workshop for Parents and Babies (up to age 2)

Silver Tree is a gentle first time theatre experience for babies aged 0-9 months and their adult carers. Inspired by the legend of the Ursitoarea fairy in Romania, Silver Tree poses the question “what would you choose as a gift for your life’s journey?” 

WAAW: An abstract story. Sound, rhythm and movement. Woven and knitted in the moment in search of beauty. Joeri Wens builds a musical, rhythmic world while playing. A marble, water, sand, balloons and some strange instruments to follow an unpredictable course.  The reality is magical and magic is real. The children are part of the concert.

Mayo County Library, Castlebar, 11am–12 noon (Followed by launch of Infant Mental Health books.)

Booking essential. To book, contact Mayo County Library on (094) 904 7940.

Gallery Tour for Parents and Babies | The Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, 11am

A guided gallery tour designed for parents/guardians to explore exhibitions in a baby-friendly environment. For full details, see www.thelinenhall.com

Advance booking recommended – contact The Linenhall on 094 902 3733.


Wednesday, 14th June – Your face... their safe place

Drama & Rhythm Workshop for Parents and Babies (up to age 2)

Silver Tree is a gentle first time theatre experience for babies aged 0-9 months and their adult carers. Inspired by the legend of the Ursitoarea fairy in Romania, Silver Tree poses the question “what would you choose as a gift for your life’s journey?” 

WAAW: An abstract story. Sound, rhythm and movement. Woven and knitted in the moment in search of beauty. Joeri Wens builds a musical, rhythmic world while playing. A marble, water, sand, balloons and some strange instruments to follow an unpredictable course.  The reality is magical and magic is real. The children are part of the concert.

Ballina Arts Centre, 11am–12 noon 

Ballinglen Arts Foundation & Museum, Ballycastle, 3pm–4pm

Booking essential. 

Summer Picnic for Early Childhood Educators

Outdoor Explorers Pre-school, Castlebar, 5.30pm–7.30pm

Note: A shuttle bus will operate from ATU. Booking essential.

Booking details here


Thursday, 15th June – When a baby is born so too is a parent

Art Experience & Lunch

Le Chéile Family Resource Centre, Castlebar, 11am–12 noon

Lunch is provided for families. For booking details phone 094 9025126

Drama & Rhythm Workshop for Parents and Babies (up to age 2)

Silver Tree is a gentle first time theatre experience for babies aged 0-9 months and their adult carers. Inspired by the legend of the Ursitoarea fairy in Romania, Silver Tree poses the question “what would you choose as a gift for your life’s journey?” 

WAAW: An abstract story. Sound, rhythm and movement. Woven and knitted in the moment in search of beauty. Joeri Wens builds a musical, rhythmic world while playing. A marble, water, sand, balloons and some strange instruments to follow an unpredictable course.  The reality is magical and magic is real. The children are part of the concert.

Ballyhaunis Community Hall, 11am – 12 noon

Booking essential. 

New ‘Buggy Buddies’ group

Ballinrobe Family Resource Centre, 11am

Gift pack for participants. No booking required.