Mellow Parenting

Mellow Mail is here! 📨 Ready to unpack our latest updates?

Catch up on what we’ve been up in August, have a first look on exciting news, and save the date for upcoming events! 🤩

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Find out more from Mellow’s CEO, Raquib Ibrahim’s visit to Perth, Western Australia last month (27-31 July) 💭:

My visit to Perth, Western Australia, was an exciting opportunity to introduce Mellow Growing Together to a team of Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialists from Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS), Community Health.

The training forms part of an important research and feasibility study being led by Jodi Renshaw-Todd through the Clinician Researcher Training Programme at the School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, funded by the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund.

It has been a privilege for Mellow Parenting to begin this journey alongside UWA and CAHS. Together, we share a commitment to strengthening relationships in the earliest years of life and supporting parents at a time when nurturing, responsive relationships can have a lifelong impact on children and families.

Alongside the training, I had the opportunity to spend time with the senior leadership team within CAHS. Our conversations centred not only on how Mellow Growing Together could be delivered as part of the feasibility study, but also on the shared vision of what could be achieved if the programme demonstrates the positive outcomes we hope it will. There was a genuine sense of curiosity, enthusiasm and commitment to finding new ways of supporting families through relational, evidence-informed practice.

The training itself was a real highlight. It was a pleasure to work with such a knowledgeable, thoughtful and passionate group of clinicians who brought a wealth of experience in supporting parents, babies and families during the perinatal period. Their openness to learning, willingness to reflect, and commitment to building nurturing relationships embodied so much of what Mellow is about.

I have every confidence that they will become exceptional Mellow Practitioners, and I look forward to supporting them throughout the feasibility study and continuing to build this exciting partnership. It feels like the beginning of something very special, and we are delighted to be working together to help more babies, parents and families experience the benefits of safe, nurturing relationships during the earliest years of life.

Recently, a group of mums, along with Practitioners Carol and Claire, sat down with David and Stewart from Mellow to talk about their experiences of taking part in Mellow Caring for Young People.

In conversation, they reflected on what parts of the group had supported them most, both personally and within their families.

The mums were keen for their voices to be heard. They wanted other caregivers to have access to something created by parents themselves, not just by facilitators or services. They felt strongly that hearing directly from other mums, and learning about their real experiences, would help encourage more families to take part in Mellow Caring for Young People.

One mum summed up the relationship of the group beautifully:
“We have had a brilliant laugh. Every time we’ve been here, we’ve laughed so much. We’ve done the important stuff but still managed to support each other and make each other laugh, and we made time for every person in the group.”
- Falkirk Mum, 2026

Find out more about Mellow Caring for Young People: https://www.mellowparenting.org/programmes-parents-carers/mellow-caring-for-young-people-23/

Last week, we welcomed Accredited Practitioners and Practitioners on their Accreditation journey to Mellow Up! 2026 at The Barracks Conference Centre in Stirling.

It was a brilliant opportunity to come together as a Mellow community, share experiences, and spend time learning from one another.

From exploring how early relationships shape us with Infant Mental Health Specialist Robin Balbernie, to conversations around responsive, relationship-centred practice and supporting diverse needs, the day was filled with thoughtful discussion, reflection, and learning.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the day. We hope you left feeling inspired, connected, and ready to bring new ideas back into your practice.

Take a look through some of our favourite moments from Mellow Up! 2026 below. 📸

We were delighted to catch up with Mellow Practitioners Liza and Hannah from Clackmannanshire Council Early Help Team and Action for Children Clacks Service to discuss their recent delivery of Mellow Caring for Young People alongside parents who access their services.

The sessions they delivered focused on learning about the teenage brain and the emotion regulation system, consisting of three interconnected networks: Threat (protection), Drive (resource-seeking), and Soothing (connection).

We received the following feedback from parents who participated in their group:

“I have found the group really helpful in learning me how to cope with a lot of problems with my daughter such as trying to see her side of things and how to defuse situations, listening to others in my group and their way of dealing with things shows me I am not alone. All in all, this group has taught me a lot. It has showed me how things are different from my childhood where there was only conflict belittling.”

“I feel the group is helping realising thoughts and feelings you maybe never knew we had. Exploring and allowing feelings, listening to others experiences and realising you’re not alone. I feel blessed to have a good relationship with my parents and a good childhood, trying to be a good Mum like my Mum”.

“It has really helped me become more understanding towards my daughter’s moods and behaviour. The people who run it are a great help.”

“Very helpful, made connections and friends going through the same stuff. Helped step back and look at how things are and planning for future. It may not be perfect but doing my best.”

Find out more about our Mellow Caring for Young People at: https://www.mellowparenting.org/programmes-parents-carers/mellow-caring-for-young-people-23/

A warm welcome to everyone joining us for Mellow Up! at The Barracks Conference Centre in Stirling today. ✨

We're looking forward to a day of learning, connection, and shared conversations with Practitioners from across the Mellow network.

Throughout the day you'll hear from Robin Balbernie, connect with colleagues, and take part in discussions focused on relationship-centred Mellow practice.

Let's make it a great day together! 💜

Looking for a welcoming space to connect with your child and meet other parents?

This August, Mellow Parenting is partnering with Home Link Family Support to deliver our Mellow Growing Together programme in Edinburgh.

Designed for parents and carers of children aged 0–5, Mellow Growing Together offers a supportive space to reflect, build confidence, strengthen relationships, and connect with other families. Through shared experiences and practical activities, the programme helps parents better understand themselves, their children, and the importance of responsive, nurturing relationships.

📍 Valley Park Community Centre
37 Southhouse Road, Edinburgh, EH17 8EU

📅 Thursdays, 20 August – 8 October
🕥 10:30am – 12:30pm

If you'd like to join the group, or know someone who could benefit from taking part, we'd love to hear from you.

📧 Email [email protected] to find out more or register your interest.

Thank you to our partners Home Link Family Support for working with us to support families in the local community.

⏰ Less than one week to go until Mellow Up!

In just four days, Accredited Practitioners from across the Mellow network will come together in Stirling for a day of learning, reflection, and connection.

We're looking forward to welcoming attendees for an inspiring programme, including sessions with Infant Mental Health Specialist Robin Balbernie, opportunities to explore responsive, relationship-centred practice, and plenty of time to connect with fellow Practitioners who share a commitment to supporting children, young people, and families.

If you've been meaning to book your place, now is the time. There is only a handful of spaces remaining. We'd love you to join us for what promises to be a fantastic day of shared learning and meaningful conversations. 💜

Find the full agenda and reserve your free place here:
https://www.mellowparenting.org/news/news/mellow-up--stirling-10-august/

Join us at Coffee & Connections - our monthly, informal chat to share recent and relevant research, and discuss new ideas to incorporate into our practice.

📅 Tue, 4 August - 8am (UK Time)
📍 Online via Teams

ℹ️ Find out more at [email protected]

July’s Mellow Mail has reached your inbox! 📨

Catch up on what we’ve been up to this month, access exclusive updates, and see all our upcoming events in the latest newsletter. 🤩

Not subscribed yet? Sign up to Mellow’s monthly newsletter at: https://www.mellowparenting.org/about-newsletter/