Supporting Maternal Mental Health in south east London
Becoming a new parent can be a challenging time.
Bromley, Lewisham, and Greenwich Mind (BLG Mind) work closely with our partner Oxleas to support pregnant women, birthing people and new parents look after their mental and emotional well-being during pregnancy and their baby’s first year.
Working in partnership to support the mental health of residents and reduce the barriers people face in accessing treatment is a priority for health and care services and organisations across south east London.
BLG Mind, in partnership with Oxleas employ a Perinatal Outreach Coordinator who attends Perinatal Mental Health meetings with a range of specialists and receives referrals for women under their care who need support in reintegrating into community activities, confidence building and social support. This is in the form of 1-2-1 in their homes, out in the community and play sessions, walking groups, as well as supporting women to attend Mindful Mums sessions hosted by BLG Mind.
This role has impacted the lives of many women who have found this time challenging:
“From the start, I found them incredibly supportive, understanding and professional. Over five months, I attended the playgroup, walking group and soft play sessions. Each were very well organised and helped me to build confidence with my baby. The playgroup in particular was the only one I attended regularly. It was comforting to know that I could go somewhere each week and see familiar faces. Indeed, the Mindful Mums group has been an important part of improving my mental health during a challenging time of my life on maternity leave.”
Another mum added:
“As my maternity leave draws to a close, I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all the help and support over the last few months. The Mindful Mums groups have been the only sessions I have been back to and my baby enjoys them too. You do such an important job to help new mums and thank you for doing it with such understanding and kindness. Keep up the great work. “
More about Mindful Mums:
The Mindful Mums service offers award-winning, free well-being groups that help pregnant women, birthing people and new parents look after their mental and emotional well-being during pregnancy and their baby’s first year. The groups create a non-judgmental space for parents to talk freely about their experiences as new parents.
BLG Mind recognise that the parenting experience differs greatly. They offer a variety of targeted well-being groups for new and expectant parents including dads and male caregivers, those who identify as LGBTQ+, young mums and Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority communities.
Find out more and sign up on the BLG Mind website.
We’ve also launched a new specialist therapeutic service called Helix (Healing Experiences of Loss & Trauma), supporting maternal mental health, now open in the boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark, Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich.