Melanie Gilday

About

My name is Melanie Gilday and I'm a Parent Infant Therapist with the Parent and Infant Relationship Service (PaIRS) in Blackpool. My background is in Therapeutic Social Work where I worked directly with sexually abused children, supporting them and their non-abusing carer to recognise the impact of their trauma, recover from this, and strengthen their relationship going forward. I also utilised VIG with babies and children up to 5 years old alongside their parents/carers, many at the edge of care, alongside facilitating VERP sessions with Baby Steps practitioners. I also utilise VIG with families as a volunteer for the charity 'Safe Families for Children'.

Throughout my career I have recognised the importance of early intervention, and the impact of poor mental health on parents and their children, leading to a focus on perinatal and infant mental health and I found that VIG has proved invaluable in supporting families with these concerns.

As a Trainee Supervisor I have supported many professionals through their VIG training including those from health, perinatal services, and social care. I have supported VIG trainees and facilitators on various ITC's; Midpoint Reviews and Accreditation events.