Home-Start Epsom, Ewell & Banstead (incl.Mole Valley North)

There for parents when they need us most...
Because childhood can't wait

Perinatal Mental Health Project

The Nest logo
We are pleased to introduce our new Perinatal Mental Health Project; specifically designed to support parents during pregnancy & the first year following the birth of a child/ren (perinatal period).


What does ‘Perinatal Mental Health’ mean?

Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) problems are those which occur during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of a child. Perinatal mental illness affects up to 20% of new and expectant mums and covers a wide range of conditions. (1)

 

If you are suffering with PMH problems you are not alone: 

  • Around 2 in every 1,000 women experience postpartum psychosis
  • Around 2 in every 1,000 women experience chronic serious mental illness in the perinatal period
  • Around 30 in every 1,000 women experience severe depressive illness in the postpartum period
  • Around 100 to 150 in every 1,000 women experience mild to moderate depressive illness in the postpartum period
  • Around 150 to 300 in every 1,000 women experience adjustment disorders and distress in the perinatal period. (2)

 

Why do we want to support families during the Perinatal period?

Here at Home-Start Epsom, Ewell & Banstead we recognise that the perinatal period can be a joyful and exciting time, but it can also be challenging for many reasons.

Becoming a parent is filled with huge emotional, social, relational & physical changes and unfortunately these changes can trigger or worsen mental health problems. When you are suffering with poor maternal mental health these changes and parenting challenges can become extremely difficult to deal with. Your mental health can also affect your relationships & ability to function day to day as a caregiver.

Regardless of the nature of your PHM challenges, we understand that being provided with timely, effective and non-judgemental support in either your own home or in your local community is essential, if we are unable to help you we’ll connect you in with others who can.

  1. NHS England » Perinatal mental health
  2. The exact number of women affected by mental health problems during the perinatal period is not known. Public Health England (PHE) uses estimates based on the Joint Commissioning Panel for Mental Health’s 2012 guidance.

How can Home-Start support you and your family during this time?

THE NEST: DROP-IN sessions (no booking required):

 Join our trained staff and volunteers for a tea or coffee at the following locations for informal, non-judgemental support (including breastfeeding support). No need to book; Just come along at a time that suits you.  Please Whatsapp Claire to check the session is running at 07494 292924

Who is this for?

These informal sessions are for pregnant mums and mums with non-mobile babies who are experiencing extra challenges and who would like some additional support during this time.

Issues you might be facing include, but are not limited to;

Isolation and loneliness, lone parenting, traumatic birth, multiple births, history of depression, or other mental health challenges.

The effects of these issues on a mother’s mental health can include feelings of isolation/loneliness, attachment difficulties, PND, anxiety (including social anxiety), PTSD, low self-esteem and trust issues.

Where and when?

Thursdays (10.30-12.30) @ Merland Rise Church                                        Merland Rise, Tadworth, KT20 5JG 

There is also a soft play session available for toddlers. Please book through Merland Rise Church https://www.merlandrisechurch.org.uk/cafe

** We know babies can be unpredictable so don’t worry about being late or needing to leave early just come whenever you can!

What can you expect?

  • A safe, welcoming & informal space for you and your babies to share stories, ask advice, seek additional support (inc. breastfeeding) & build connections with other local parents
  • A member of the Home-Start team & volunteers will always be present and there is a private space available if you need to speak confidentially
  • A nurturing environment which aims to help you to see you are not alone in your parenting journey and give you insight into local support available in your community

THE NEST: NURTURE GROUP (referral required):

The Nurture Group runs for 6 weeks with a focus on emotional wellbeing as a parent. You can join the group at any point in the programme but we do ask that you speak to your Health Professional or contact claire.stevens@hseeb.org.uk if you think this group could be helpful for you.

Who is this for?

Designed for first time Mums with mild to moderate mental health conditions or those experiencing relational issues with their babies.

The NEST NURTURE GROUP aims to ensure:

  • Parents feel supported during the period in which they are managing (mild-moderate) mental health conditions
  • Parents feel more confident in their own strengths
  • Parents have a better understanding and a robust plan for how to look after their own emotional wellbeing
  • Parents will have widened their network of relationships (peer support)
  • Parents feel able to effectively use the support and services available in the community
  • Parent-infant relationship have been strengthened
  • Parent to parent relationship and communication will have improved

Where and when?

FRIDAYS: Epsom Methodist Church @ 10.30am-12.30pm

** We know babies can be unpredictable so don’t worry about being late or needing to leave early just come whenever you can!

What can you expect?

  • A safe, welcoming & informal space for you and your babies to share stories, ask advice, seek additional support (inc. breastfeeding) & build connections with other local Mums
  • A member of the Home-Start team & volunteers will always be present and there is a private space available if you need to speak confidentially
  • A nurturing environment which aims to help you to see you are not alone in your parenting journey and give you insight into local support available in your community
  • A model of support which incorporates the Healthy Surrey ‘Wheel of Wellbeing’
  • Advice, discussion and resources in the above areas
  • Personalised activities and support for you

 

If you are struggling with any of the issues above and need additional support to get to a session or group please do make contact and if we can assist in anyway we will do our best!

For more information about our Perinatal Mental Health Support please contact:

claire.stevens@hseeb.org.uk

 

St Faiths
Community Foundation
NHS
Henry Smith
NHS
Henry Smith
NHS