His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins JP LLB, visited Oldham's Parent-Infant Mental Health Service (PIMHS) on Wednesday 24 June.

The Lord-Lieutenant, the King's representative in Greater Manchester, went to Best Start Family Hub, Spring Meadows, to learn how the service supports families with babies' emotional wellbeing. She signed the Infant Pledge to show her commitment to championing infants' rights.

Oldham PIMHS is part of Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust. It was established in 2015 by clinical psychologist Dr Philippa Gardner. Before that, there was no mental health support for babies in the area. The team of ten includes clinical psychologists, specialist parent-infant health visitors, child psychotherapists, therapeutic social workers and a speech and language therapist. They work with families from pregnancy until children are two years old, offering assessments, therapeutic work and groups. They also train and consult with professionals to raise awareness of infants' mental health needs.

Sarah Preedy, chief operating officer at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We were incredibly proud to welcome the Lord-Lieutenant. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the dedication of our teams and the compassionate, specialist support they provide to local families every day. This service plays a vital role in helping parents and babies build strong, healthy relationships from the very start, and it was wonderful to see that recognised."

Diane Hawkins said: "It was a pleasure to meet the team from the Parent-Infant Mental Health Service and hear about their work. By combining their expertise with kindness and empathy, they are providing life-changing support for families in Oldham and beyond."

Families interested in support from PIMHS should speak to their midwife, health visitor, GP or social worker, who can make a referral.

More details about Best Start Family Hubs are available at familyhubs.oldham.gov.uk.