New fund to help provide mental health support for parents

Up to £1 million will be made available to Scottish charities providing mental health support for families during pregnancy and early years.

The Scottish Government's perinatal and infant mental health fund hopes to address gaps in provision for peer support, parenting support and perinatal counselling sessions by giving cash to organisations providing key services.

Charities will be able to apply for money from early May, with the fund running for three years.

Mental health minister Clare Haughey said: “The third sector provides an invaluable source of support for the mental health of women, babies and their families during pregnancy and early parenthood.

“Last year, the Scottish Government provided funding to support the work of third-sector organisations in this area and I am delighted that we are able to build on this with the new perinatal and infant mental health fund.

“The fund will allow one-to-one support for organisations to help provide the services that women and their families need across Scotland.”

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