Support for parents this National Infant Mental Health Awareness Week

Donna Arden McKenna, Ali Kirkpatrick and Shelly Baker (Home-Start Parent Infant Mental Health Coordinator)

If you’re a parent to a baby or toddler, or an expectant parent, and are struggling emotionally, you are not alone.

Home-Start Rochdale, a family support charity has developed its peer support service, to provide confidential one to one support for expectant parents and those with new babies across Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale and Pennines.

This National Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, Parent Infant Mental Health Coordinator, Shelly Baker is encouraging parents across the borough – who may need some help because they are worried or struggling emotionally – to come forward.

She said: “We understand that pregnancy and having a baby can be overwhelming, raising different emotions that can affect parent mental health. This can affect all parents. We know some families have very little or no support to reply on, therefore our help is needed more than ever. We all need a little help and a listening ear sometimes.”

Shelly is also searching for local parents to join her team, to volunteer their time to deliver practical and emotional support for parents with new babies within the community.

I would like support

If you are expecting a baby or have a child under 2 years and would like some support speak to your midwife or health visitor to ask for a referral to Home-Start or text or call 07895 402165. Alternatively, you can email shelly.hsrb@gmail.com

I would like to join the team

If you are a parent with time to spare and would like to access training in family support, bonding and attachment, infant brain development, birth and building positive relationships, Home-Start can help you to build your experience and knowledge. Call Shelly for more information on 07895 402165.