Early help conference
Childhood with risk: Instructive lecture by Dr Nicole Strüber
What influence do parental mental illnesses have on the child's brain and what can be done about it? Around 80 professionals from daycare centres, child day care, early help and the healthcare sector were given answers to these questions at this year's Early Help Conference organised by the City of Beckum's specialist child, youth and family support service.
Under the heading "Childhood at risk - The influence of parental mental illness on children's brain development", neurobiologist and science author Dr Nicole Strüber demonstrated the impact of mental illness or toxic stress on human brain structures. These changes particularly affect the brain's cortisol and oxytocin systems and cause changes in human behaviour.
This can also lead to changes in the brain structure of children. However, this intergenerational transmission of mental illness or trauma can be interrupted, particularly by promoting good attachment development. Following her presentation, the expert took the time to answer questions from those present.
The Early Help Conference is a further training course offered by the Specialist Service for Child, Youth and Family Support, which is aimed at professionals from the fields of early help, counselling, youth welfare, healthcare, day care facilities and child day care.