Perinatal Support Service
Emotional and mental health support for pregnant women up to the first year after birth
What is the Perinatal Support Service
The Perinatal Support Service helps pregnant women and women with babies up to the age of one who have, or are at risk of developing, mild to moderate mental health issues such as negative thoughts about being a mum, low mood, anxiety or depression.
Mums are carefully matched up with trained volunteer peer supporters who provide tailored emotional support through listening support sessions, and help them access other services in the community. They also offer a Theraplay-based group programme, ‘My Baby and Me’.
This project helps women through pregnancy up until their baby’s first birthday.
What difference does the Perinatal Support Service make?
The service positively impacts on:
- Maternal mental health
- Self-confidence and self-esteem
- Attachment between mothers and babies
- Social isolation
In addition, it increases the confidence and future employment opportunities of volunteer befrienders.
Who is eligible for the Perinatal Support Service
Pregnant women and mums with babies up to the age of one living in the Better Start Bradford area.
Without the Perinatal Support Service I'm not sure how I would have coped. I had no idea how to manage my stress levels and knew it was important for me to be less stressed for the baby while I was pregnant and after the baby came.
I have learned how to pick up on babies' cues. I did not know how amazing babies were - they pick up on everything, even how I am feeling.
I really liked the interaction with my client and can see that I am helping and this also impacts on my own self esteem. It feels good to help others.
This project is delivered by Family Action
Contact the Perinatal Support Service team:
More information about the Perinatal Support Service
You may also like to look at...
Find out how to refer families to this comprehensive group programme that helps expectant parents transition to parenthood, delivered for us by Action for Children.
Find out how to refer parents/carers for specialist support around the parent-infant relationship, or how you can benefit from consultation and training as a professional - delivered for us by BDCFT.
Find out how to refer a family for practical and emotional support in the home, delivered for us by Home-Start Bradford District.
Nisa, 28, is mum to three children under the age of five. When her youngest son was born, she simply felt like she couldn’t face the world each day until support came in the form of the Perinatal Support Service.
