CTM Baby and Toddler Voice Statements Launched

Cwm Taf Morgannwg Baby and Toddler Voice launch

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has launched the CTM Baby and Toddler Voice statements to champion the rights of babies and toddlers living in the region.

The CTM Baby and Toddler Voice statements aims to promote the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), an international agreement that protects the human rights of children up to the age of 18. The UNCRC recognises not only their basic human rights but gives them additional rights to protect them from harm.

The first 1000 days of life, from conception to age two, is a time of unique opportunity and vulnerability for babies and toddlers. They are undergoing rapid growth, and this is a time when the foundations for their later health, well-being, relationships, behaviour and development are laid down.

During this time, babies’ brains are shaped by their environment, experiences, relationships and interactions they have with the trusted grown-ups who care and look after them.

Like all people, babies experience a range of emotions in response to what happens in their lives. Although they cannot tell us how they’re feeling, little ones can feel happy and secure, unhappy or distressed. Their emotional wellbeing influences how they experience, manage and express emotions, and feel safe and secure to explore the world around them.

Parents and over 120 staff working with babies and little ones across Merthyr, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr were involved in creating CTM’s Baby and Toddler statements. The statements have been written through the ‘voice of the baby’ and aim to bring to light the importance of secure nurturing relationships and seeing babies and toddlers as little people in their own right, with thoughts, feelings and emotions. These are the same emotions felt by grown-ups.

Julie Powell-Jones (Parents Infants Relationships Project Manager) introduces the Baby and Toddler Voice statements here:

Lucy Smothers (Clinical Director Starting Well and Growing Well Strategy Groups) said: “Being part of our regional collaboration to co-create our CTM baby and toddler voice statements has been motivating and inspiring. It’s vital that we listen to and consider the voices and perspectives of the youngest members of our community. By doing so, we can ensure their needs are reflected in the decisions we make that will influence their health and wellbeing, both now and in the future. We all have a role to play, and I hope these statements will be the first step in supporting everyone working with babies and toddlers to make sure their voices are heard.”

Greg Dix (Executive Nurse Director) said: “The baby and toddler voice statements will support us all to consider the needs of pre-verbal children, emphasising the importance of the First 1000 days. Written through the 'voice of the baby,' these statements highlight the significance of considering children's emotions and perspectives in decisions affecting their health and wellbeing. Developed with dedicated partners and families across our region I am delighted to support their launch within CTM UHB”

The Parent Infant Relationship team hosted meet and greet sessions at Baby and Toddler play sessions to share information about the initiative and Baby and Toddler statements with parents across the region.

Merthyr Tydfil
Wednesday 19th March, 10:30am – 11:30am
Gellideg Wellbeing Centre, Gellideg Foundation Group, Canol-Y-Bryn, The Wellbeing Centre, Heol Tai Mawr, Merthyr Tydfil, UK CF48

Rhondda Cynon Taf
Wednesday 19th March 1:00pm – 2:00pm
The Aman Family and Children Centre, Aberdare, CF44 6DF

Bridgend
Thursday 20th March 9:15am – 11:15am
Sarn Flying Start, Merfield Close, Sarn, Bridgend. CF32 9SW

17/03/2025