Pregnancy in Mind Service

NSPCC
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NSPCC Pregnancy in Mind service – update for referrers, both professional and self-referrals accepted.

NSPCC is extending capacity for referrals to its Pregnancy in Mind (PiM) programme, which now also includes postnatal support. The service is available for parents-to-be who can attend the eight-session programme between 12 and 26 weeks pregnancy, and is delivered in small, virtual groups. It uses a range of approaches including mindfulness, active relaxation, and peer support to help participants manage any difficulties they may be experiencing. The main objective of the service is to help build parents’ capacity to provide sensitive and responsive care to their babies and to maintain these skills after the birth and as their children develop.

Parents-to-be can refer themselves or they can be referred by their GP, midwife, health visitor or health professionals. All those who take part will leave with knowledge of mindfulness and relaxation techniques to take forward into their new lives with their baby. They will also be offered 2 support sessions postnatally with newsletters to share relevant information and supports to ensure the bond between parent and baby continues to develop. In addition, they will receive a support plan of how and where to access any further support that their family may benefit from, tailored to each family’s individual needs.

One mum to be shared her experience with PiM as:

“I really enjoyed the programme. I definitely was apprehensive initially seeking support from my mental health team, who referred me. I am so glad I did. It helped me get through a very difficult time, especially when you feel pregnancy should be an exciting time, rather than one full of anxieties. The group aspect helped me see there are others feeling the same way. I've been able to use many of the strategies over the months after. Some strategies suited me, some didn't but I feel each week it was important to try different strategies to see what worked for me. I felt supported throughout and really appreciated the time and a listening ear each week at the check ins. It also give me the chance to discuss the strategies that work for me personally and get some more suggestions for support me. I have been able to use them on many occasions since my baby has been born”. To discuss referrals to the NSPCC’s Pregnancy in Mind Service, please contact [email protected] or call 028 20441 650 ​For details on the evidence underpinning Pregnancy in Mind and evaluation, please see: Pregnancy in Mind | Parental mental health service | NSPCC Learning

How to access this support

To discuss referrals to the NSPCC’s Pregnancy in Mind Service, please contact [email protected] or call 028 20441 650

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NSPCC Northern Ireland hub administration team
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