COVID19 - Improving perinatal mental health (360G-Walcot-0061E00001IfHzFQAV)

The project will provide specialist volunteer support and activity groups to vulnerable parents on a low income with at least one child under the age of five. Working in partnership with established local referral partners such as midwives, GPs and social services as well as a new specialist charity (Cacoon Family Support) HSL will target expectant mothers and those with newborn children who are struggling with their mental health, many as a result of the pandemic and lockdown. A new cohort of volunteer befrienders will also be recruited and trained to offer parents phone, zoom and socially distanced support, focusing particularly on developing good mother-child attachment, improving social contact and reducing stress and anxiety. The grant will fund 30-hour p/w project coordinator (with a mental health specialism) as well as part of a volunteer coordinator role and input and support from Cacoon, who will jointly host a weekly activity group, train staff/volunteers and provide a pathway for those with higher-level need to access additional 1:1 therapy and services with them.