New hub will give mental health help to mothers
COUNTY AMONG FIRST IN THE COUNTRY TO GET SERVICE
MENTAL health hubs are being set up to offer psychological therapy and health checks for mums.
Leicestershire will be one of the first 10 locations to gain the services, which are due to be running in the next few months.
NHS England said about a quarter of women experience mental health problems in pregnancy and during the 24 months after giving birth.
However, five years ago, 40 per cent of areas in England had no dedicated maternal mental health services.
The new programme aims to provide care and treatment for about 6,000 women for a range of mental health issues from post-traumatic stress disorder to severe fear of childbirth, by the end of 2022.
Hinckley mum Gemma Spurling welcomed the investment.
The 31-year-old travel agent was left “paralysed with anxiety” after giving birth to her son, William.
She said: “As someone who suffered with pretty severe but delayed postnatal depression (PND), I think it’s amazing news. Especially as they aren’t limiting it to new mums.
“I think these mental health services being integrated with the postnatal care and being open to all mums is absolutely amazing.
“Mum guilt is something we all face and is often dismissed but sometimes the anxiety that comes with it is so severe it is paralysing and mums need to know where they can go to get support from people who understand.”
By April next year, 26 hubs will be set up across the country.
Claire Murdoch, NHS England’s national mental health director, said: “Every woman has a unique experience with pregnancy and motherhood and some will need extra support to cope with mental health issues that can range from anxiety to severe depression.
“So I am delighted mothers across all areas of the country will be able to access this help if they need it.
“I would encourage any mum who needs this support to come forward safe in the knowledge her mental health and wellbeing are of paramount importance and she should not feel ashamed of accessing the help she needs.”
Jude Diggins, Royal College of Nursing interim director of nursing, policy and public affairs, said: “These new, improved services could not come at a more important time.”