CWPT Talking Therapies joins forces with local partners to support Maternal Mental Health Week
In recognition of Maternal Mental Health Week (5-11 May), Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust's (CWPT) Talking Therapies service is proud to partner with a range of local organisations to raise awareness and provide vital support for mothers, fathers and families across the region.
Working alongside Parent Infant Mental Health (PIM), MAMTA, By Your Side, Fatherhood Solutions, specialist health visitors and local family hubs, the Talking Therapies team is delivering a week-long programme of events across the community designed to promote emotional wellbeing for parents during the perinatal period, which by the NHS is defined as the time from when you become pregnant up until two years after giving birth.
Activities include a walk and talk at War Memorial Park, an informational session at Forest School, a creative wellbeing event featuring a colouring book activity for parents and their young children and a visit to Community Midwives from University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW).
As part of its commitment to raising awareness internally as well as in the community, CWPT also hosted a Let's Talk session for staff, focused on understanding and helping those affected by postnatal depression. The session offered valuable insights into the signs, symptoms and support pathways for this common and often misunderstood condition, helping staff feel better equipped to offer compassion and guidance.
Sarah McKay, Perinatal Lead for Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression explained: Our aim this week is to break down barriers, reduce stigma and ensure that every parent - mums and dads alike - feels seen and heard. We know that around 1 in 5 women experience mental health difficulties during the perinatal period and that partners can also face emotional challenges during this time. This help can be life-changing and these community events are a vital opportunity to connect with families where they are and show that help is available.
Julie Frake-Harris, Chief Operating Officer at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, said: Our commitment to mental health must extend to every stage of life, including ensuring our perinatal services are visible, accessible and integrated into the fabric of our internal and external stakeholders. Working with our valued partners allows us to meet families where they are and offer assistance that is personal and proactive.
Sheri Ashton, Head of Service for Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression, added: This week is a celebration of partnership and the power of early intervention. We're proud of the work our teams are doing in Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull to empower families and raise awareness. And we are not stopping here - with Mental Health Awareness Week just around the corner, we'll continue aiding our communities with more outreach and engagement activities.
NHS Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull Talking Therapies' perinatal service offers tailored support for individuals who are pregnant, have recently given birth or are finding it difficult to adjust emotionally to life as a parent. This includes evidence-based therapy for depression, anxiety, birth trauma and perinatal OCD, as well as specialist interventions for both mothers and fathers. The service provides compassionate, confidential care with flexible access options to suit family life. For more information about the perinatal services offered by Talking Therapies or to self-refer, visit: https://www.talkingtherapies.covwarkpt.nhs.uk/perinatal-period.
For anyone requiring mental health support, there are several ways to access the service:
- Self-referral via digital referral assistant (chatbot) or via the form online at www.talkingtherapies.covwarkpt.nhs.uk/self-referral
- Call 02476 671 090 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm)
- Email talkingtherapies@covwarkpt.nhs.uk for further information
To access the service, individuals must be aged 16 and over and registered with a GP in Coventry, Warwickshire, or Solihull. Assessments are typically completed within a four-week period with most clients entering treatment within 12 weeks.