Cornwall sessions to launch to support parents with post-natal depression and loneliness
The Penlee Family Project will provide groups to help provide friendships and professional support for new mums
Last updated 4th Jan 2024
A new group to help ease the NHS by preventing post-natal depression in the first weeks of pregnancy is launching in Cornwall.
The free sessions run by the Penlee Family Project CIC - with funding from the NHS - will be aimed at mothers in their Fourth Trimester to help them join a community and help ease loneliness.
The group have worked with parents over the last 4 years and observed the commonness of postpartum depression, anxiety, motherhood isolation and loneliness. Having listened to over 200 local families they have found a need for a ‘Holding space‘ (safe; supportive; nurturing space) for parents.
Hannah Tripconey, from Penlee Family Project, said: "We are hoping we are going to ease the NHS with post-natal depression and facilitate a space where parents can make friends with eachother. Also they can then communicate outside of the group and give eachother that extra support when we're not there."
Kim Parker, said: "There's no routine in those first 12 weeks. I think it's very important that parents can talk to other parents. They're all going through the same things together so it's important they can help eachother, as well as some professionals in the group who can give some advice."
We are starting a new project around the Fourth Trimester for new parents. This is really exciting and innovative work and we really want to be able to offer these sessions to all local parents.
Penlee Family Project CIC say mothers can experience physical and emotional struggles and need real live non – judgmental support; discussion; connection; advice from professionals alongside support and ideas from other mothers. so they can make an informed choice for their family; and most importantly; a listening ear and safe place to go with their baby.
The group will be a means of providing both peer to peer and professional support for the needs of new mothers. Although nurture will be a big part of what we will do; parents have told the CIC they need more information on what is normal during this period and what is not. Mental health is a topic many new mothers do not often discuss openly; especially at a time when they often feel they should be feeling nothing but love and happiness about their new baby.
By creating a safe environment they will give mothers the opportunity to open up and express how they are feeling and will look at exploring the problems associated with the fourth trimester and how parents can be proactive in preparing for their physical and emotional needs after the arrival of their newborn.