The Neuroscience of Childhood Recording and Discussion…

THE NEUROCIENCE OF CHILDHOOD

Explore how early intervention and nurturing environments can transform lives and break cycles of disadvantage. With Q&A.

How much of who we are is shaped before nursery? This workshop, led by Judith Rees, Director of Operations, and Brenda Evans, Therapeutic Lead at The For Baby’s Sake Trust, explores the profound impact of early experiences—from pregnancy through early childhood—on shaping who we become as adults.

Delving into the neuroscience of early childhood development, this workshop highlights the first 1,001 days as a critical window of rapid brain growth, where nurturing relationships and stable environments lay the foundation for emotional regulation and cognitive abilities. Judith and Brenda will discuss how trauma during this period can affect emotional wellbeing, relationships, and mental health well into adulthood. This workshop is perfect for parents, professionals, and anyone curious about the neuroscience of child development.

Workshop Highlights:

• Explore the neuroscience of early childhood and its impact on emotional regulation and cognitive growth
• Discover how nurturing environments in the first 1,001 days shape cognitive development
• Learn early intervention strategies to break cycles of adversity
• Understand how early trauma affects mental health and the power of intervention

About your hosts:

Judith Rees became Director of Operations at the For Baby’s Sake Trust in 2015 after 33 years in the NHS. Her roles included Midwife, Health Visitor, Safeguarding Children’s Nurse, and a 0-19 Public Health Team Leader. She also set up and led the Family Nurse Partnership Team in Hertfordshire and holds an MSc in Child Protection and Child Welfare, with a focus on the impact of domestic abuse on babies and children. Judith’s passion for early intervention and safeguarding drives her work at the Trust, where she applies her extensive experience to support families.

Brenda Evans is a psychodynamic therapist and clinical supervisor with over 25 years of experience. She has led multidisciplinary therapeutic teams dedicated to supporting families with complex and multiple needs. Her expertise lies in working with families affected by domestic abuse and substance misuse, addressing their impact on overall family wellbeing. Brenda has also built a successful private practice and lectured on therapy in Hertfordshire.

The For Baby's Sake Trust is a registered charity dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic abuse by addressing its root causes and ensuring babies have the best possible start in life. Its flagship program, For Baby’s Sake, is the first to take a holistic approach, working with both parents—starting during pregnancy—when domestic abuse is present. The Trust extends its impact by raising awareness and sharing insights about the critical needs of parents and babies during early brain development, the effects of domestic abuse and trauma on families, and effective ways to break cycles of adversity while building resilience.

All content is provided by Seed Talks.

The event takes place in the Copeland building (connected to Cavendish campus) in room 1.100A.

Questions? Reach out to us at brainmatters.soc@su.westminster.ac.uk or on Instagram @brainmatters.soc