Perinatal mental health service: signposting and support after discharge

This page contains useful information, the contact details of other organisations and some ideas of things that you can do to try and help yourself. Remember, you can always contact a professional if you are struggling.

In a mental health emergency contact NHS 111 and press option 2. If a life is in danger, always call 999. 

 

I need to talk to someone

Sometimes it can be helpful to speak to someone that you don’t know, who can offer support and a listening ear.

  • Shout! 85258, this is a free texting service offering confidential support, 24-7. giveusashout.org
  • Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk about whatever’s getting to you; call 116 123
  • The Muslim Community Helpline offer a confidential, non-judgemental support service with faith specific understanding; call 020 8908 6715
  • PANDAS provide support and advice for any parent experiencing perinatal mental illness. WhatsApp message them on 07903 508334 between 8am and 10pm daily. Visit their website to book an appointment for a call back and further support services: pandasfoundation.org.uk
  • Neighbourhood Mental Health Café’s are spread around Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. They are run by trained and supportive staff, who are there to listen and provide the practical support you may need.

How can I help myself?

The Joy App is a website which hosts information of groups in your local area. Visit www.thejoyapp.com/ to find out more.

Making the following lifestyle changes can be very positive for your mental wellbeing:

I’m feeling anxious / worried / stressed...

We all feel worried or stressed sometimes but there are things that can help if you are feeling this way. You can find techniques which can help on these websites:

  • No Panic has advice around breathing and relaxation techniques on their website for anyone with an anxiety based disorder. They also have a helpline: 0300 772 9844
  • Anxiety UK is a charity for those affected by anxiety, stress and anxiety based depression; their website has information and resources and they offer support services
  • Mindfulness helps you to stay focussed on the here and now instead of what ‘might’ happen. Take a look at mindful.org/what-is-mindfulness and www.mindful.org/how-to-practice-mindfulness
  • The ‘Headspace’ App provides tools and resources to help with stress, anxiety and sleep
  • The ‘Daylight’ App uses cognitive behavioural techniques, voice and animation to help with symptoms of worry and anxiety
  • The ‘Decider skills’ App gives practical advice on managing anxiety.

I’m having trouble sleeping…

Sleep can be challenging when you are uncomfortable in pregnancy or have a new baby, but if you are struggling to sleep, even when you have the opportunity, take a look at these resources.

I’d like to find out more about looking after my baby.

Looking after a baby can be challenging, particularly because they are constantly changing. The resources below provide information and ideas about how to look after and have fun with your little one.

  • The Health for under 5s website is supported by NHS professionals and is full of useful information on a range of subjects including health, pregnancy, potty training, weaning, play and lots, lots more.
  • The NHS start4life website is full of great information, trusted NHS help and advice for pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
  • The DadPad App is a guide for dads about all things parenting with advice, knowledge and practical skills. Search your app provider and choose the ‘DadPad’ for Leicestershire.
  • The Lullaby Trust has lots of important information about safer sleep for babies and support for parents
  • The BBC Tiny Happy People website is full of ideas to help support play, communication skills and development.
  • Remember the phone number for your Healtht Together health visiting team will be inside your child’s red book.

I would like some support with feeding my baby.

However you decide to feed your baby, for many it is a steep learning curve and can be difficult, particularly if things have not gone as you had imagined during pregnancy.

  • For information about breastfeeding, you can visit the Health for Under 5’s website: they have a page with local resources, including a map of peer support groups and advice for bottle feeding
  • Bosom Babies provide support for those in South Leicestershire (Blaby, Oadby, Wigston). It is a peer supporter led group working under the supervision of Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.
  • Leicester Mammas is a Breastfeeding Support Programme for families in Leicester. They run antenatal sessions and groups when you have had your baby. Visit mammas.org.uk/ for more information.
  • The LPT Specialist Infant Feeding Team can offer support; speak to your health visitor for a referral.

I’m wondering how I find out about what is happening in my local area…

I need help with parenting.

There is no such thing as a perfect parent; sometimes we all need a bit of extra support. These charities may be able to help if you are in these situations.

  • Cry-sis offer help and support to parents with babies who cry excessively or have sleeping problems. Their helpline is: 0800 448 0737. They also have information on their website: cry-sis.org.uk
  • ICON provide information about infant crying and how to cope
  • Parent Talk offer advice for parents of children aged 0-19
  • Gingerbread is a resource for single parents with advice and information
  • Little Lullaby offers support for young parents, by young parents. Follow them on Instagram.
  • Twins Trust provide support for families who have, or are expecting, twins, triplets or higher order multiples; they have a lot of information on their website: twinstrust.org
  • Chat Health is a text service run by health visitors who can answer any questions about your baby’s health; Leicester: 07520 615381 or Leicestershire and Rutland: 07520 615382
  • You can also speak to a health visitor or school nurse by calling the Healthy Together Helpline on 0300 300 3001.

I’m new to this country, where can I get support?

Being in a country where you don’t know many people or don’t know the language can be scary and isolating. These charities offer support to help build community, learn skills, and meet basic needs.

  • The Shama Women’s Centre provide social, educational and emotional support to help women gain confidence, qualifications and reduce isolation
  • Maternity Action provide advice and information on housing, income and healthcare for migrant, refugee and asylum seeking women
  • Leicester City of Sanctuary welcome asylum seekers and refugees and supports them to rebuild their lives, develop their skills and feel part of the community
  • Refugee Action helps people get the basic support they need to live again with dignity. Then they help people build safe, happy and productive lives in the UK
  • The Race Equality Centre (TREC) provides support, advice and information to newly arrived individuals to aid their integration into Leicester.

I have problems with my housing or social circumstances and need help.

If you are struggling because of your social circumstances it might be good to have a chat with your midwife or health visitor to see if they can suggest any services or refer you on for support. The following organisations may be able to help with support and advice around housing and social care support:

  • Shelter offers advice, support, and legal services to people who are struggling with bad housing or homelessness
  • SHARP are an independent Housing Aid Centre offering free, confidential and impartial advice and assistance to people in housing need
  • Supporting Tenants and Residents (STAR) provides housing support for council tenants
  • Housing Matters provide support in maintaining their tenancy
  • Family Action provide practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation
  • Early Help can provide additional support to families and help prevent any difficulties from getting worse. You can self-refer on your local council website, or speak to a healthcare professional.

I’m having thoughts about suicide or self-harm.

Thoughts of self-harm or suicide do not necessarily mean that you want to act on them, but they can be very distressing. These resources may be able to help:

  • If you need immediate support please call NHS 111 and select option 2. Always call 999 in a lift is in danger.
  • The Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk about whatever’s getting to you; call 116 123
  • For information about ways to help yourself in a crisis visit the Mind website at mind.org.uk . On weekdays you can call the Mind Support line on 0300 102 1234, which is open from 9am-6pm.
  • Self Injury Support is a resource for women and girls affected by self-injury. They also have a helpline you can reach by calling 0808 800 8088
  • The ‘Stay Alive’ app is deals with suicidal thoughts; it has information and tools to help in a crisis.
  • The distrACT app gives you easy, quick and discreet access to information and advice about self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

I have been sexually abused and would like some support

Whether this happened recently or in the past, there are services that are equipped to help you with this type of trauma.

  • The Quetzal Project support women recovering from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse. Contact them on 0333 101 4280
  • Jasmine House is a Leicester based charity working with female survivors of sexual abuse, sexual violence and rape
  • Rape Crisis have a National helpline if you would like to speak to someone about what happened, no matter when it was. Call on 0808 500 2222 or visit https://247sexualabusesupport.org.uk/
  • First Step provide free confidential services to male survivors of sexual abuse.

I have experienced domestic abuse and would like some support.

It is not unusual for domestic abuse to begin, or worsen, during pregnancy. The services listed below can provide support and advice to anyone who has experienced domestic abuse in their lives.

  • Refuge provide a variety of services and support for women, including a 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
  • Freeva provides co-ordinated domestic and sexual violence services across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for any male or female over the age of 13.  Their helpline is 0808 802 0028
  • The Freedom Programme is a course which provides information on domestic violence to help people make sense of what has happened to them
  • The National Stalking Helpline provide practical information, support, and advice on risk, safety planning and legislation. Call: 0808 802 0300 
  • Karma Nirvana is a National charity supporting victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage. Call: 0800 5999 247 – open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
  • The Jenkins Centre (run by Freeva) work with perpetrators of abuse to support them to make changes to their behaviour. Call them on 0116 254 0101 – open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

My child has been taken into care.

Whatever might have led up to your children being removed from your care, it’s understandable that your emotions might be in total turmoil, with lots of unanswered questions running through your head.

  • Try to work together positively with your social worker and make sure you are clear about the problems they have raised, and what they are expecting of you.
  • Family Lives have a confidential helpline which can be reached on 0808 800 2222, offering a listening ear and emotional support. They also have an online chat service, or you can email them: askus@familylives.org.uk
  • The Government website provides information on the law and the process of care proceedings
  • Citzen’s Advice also provide advice.

My baby has died or I have had a miscarriage.

Bereavement of a child is something nobody should ever have to cope with. These organisations can provide support, either from professionals or other parents who have experienced similar situations.

  • SANDS is a voluntary group of parents who have all experienced the death of a baby either during pregnancy or soon after birth. Call: 0808 164 3332
  • The Lullaby Trust helps families who experience the sudden loss of a baby. They also have a bereavement support helpline: 0808 802 6868
  • The Laura Centre offers specialist bereavement counselling when a child dies or is bereaved
  • The Miscarriage Association have a helpline: 01924 200799
  • Jakin provide a free confidential service with counsellors and support workers who are trained in many types of loss including distressing scan results during pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth and distress following abortion. Call or text 07599 397 938.

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