£600k To Help Vulnerable Mums

12 September 2014, 09:17 | Updated: 12 September 2014, 09:23

Parent and child

£600,000 is being given to help support vulnerable new mums in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Norfolk County Council and the Norfolk and  Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust have successfully bid for the money from the Government. It is due to spent on providing psychologists to work with groups of mums with mental health conditions, addiction or post-puerperal psychosis.

James Joyce, Chairman of the Children's Services Committee at Norfolk County Council, said: "We must reduce the number of children coming into care in the county because we know that in the majority of cases children do much better at home.

"Our early help strategy is about making sure that families have support as soon as problems begin to arise and that we can work with parents to understand their needs and help them to address the issues that might be affecting their ability to look after their children safely.

"For some mums the postnatal period can be a very difficult time and we know that those suffering from depression and psychosis after birth are at a greater risk of harming themselves or their children.

"That is why it is so important to ensure that the support and help is available and that parents do not feel alone. This project will provide help from professionals and other mums in the same situation, supporting the emotional well-being of parents and their very small children."

Norfolk has a higher number of babies coming into care than its statistical neighbours and it is hoped that the project will reduce the numbers of children becoming "looked after," helping to improve their lives and saving thousands of pounds.

The project will bring together psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and social workers, delivering services via Children's Centres

Hospitals, specialist midwives and health visitors will also play a part in supporting the work.

Andy Goff, CAMHS Service Manager (Coast), at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: "This joint venture is an important example of public sector organisations working together to promote better outcomes for young people and their families.

"Bringing the expertise of social workers and health professionals together can only help improve the health of new parents and improve the parent/infant relationship which is so vital in promoting life long positive mental heath."