Help team to shape mental health care for mothers

FAMILIES are being asked to help shape mums’ mental health care.

More than 10 per cent of women experience mental ill health during pregnancy or within the first year of having their baby.

These can range from depression, anxiety disorders and bipolar affective disorder to psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and postpartum psychosis.

Now, an NHS team providing specialist psychiatric support for mothers in Leicestershire and Rutland is calling on families to help them shape service improvements for the future.

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s commu- nity perinatal mental health team is hosting a drop-in event at the Bradgate Mental Health Unit at Glenfield Hospital on Saturday, July 7.

Clinical team lead Margaret Ball said: “We want to hear the views and experiences of families to help us identify gaps in the service we deliver.

“We want to hear from the community to help us provide the best service we can and welcome views from the whole family.

“For example, we would like to include group work in the support we provide and are keen to hear what service users and their loved ones feel about this.” The team provides sup- port at or close to home for mothers with moderate to serious mental health needs, both before and following delivery of their babies. The service provides care for more than 400 women in the community each year.

Now they are inviting new and expectant mums who have experienced mental ill health – and their families – to meet staff from the service and share their experiences.

The aim is to help identify any gaps in the service currently provided, to hear what people would like to see improved, to identify what’s working well and to find out what more can be done to support women and their families in the crucial lead up to birth and the months that follow.

Margaret added: “The day will also be an opportunity for anyone with concerns or questions to come along and chat to our team members and find out more about the service and the care and support we provide.”

Refreshments will be provided and children will be welcomed at the drop-in session, in the Involvement Centre, just off reception at the Bradgate Mental Health Unit, Glenfield Hospital Site, Groby.

Ample free parking is available nearby. For more information, call 0116 225 6846.