The iHV Champions training programme and its Theory of Change

Providing high-quality perinatal and infant mental health training for practitioners working with families in the period around birth is both clinically effective and cost-efficient. It supports the early identification and treatment of mental health issues within families, leading to improved outcomes for babies and young children. The Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) has been offering a cascade training programme since 2013 and is currently evaluating its Multi-Agency Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Champions Programme. This article outlines the history of the programme, describes its underlying Theory of Change, and proposes how an evaluation will ensure the programme effectively achieves parity of esteem for mental health.