Perinatal mental health problems can have a direct long-term impact on infant development. Provision for perinatal mental health support in the UK is lacking with many areas providing no services. Support for parents with mental health illness is needed.
The iHV undertook an evaluation of a Perinatal Support Service that supports mothers experiencing moderate to mild mental health illness. The service was designed to improve parent’s mental health and attachment with the infant. The purpose of the evaluation was to strengthen the evidence base for this important service.
To do this, we designed a Theory of Change for the service and investigated the outcomes for service users. We did this is as a collaborative partnership with parents, volunteers and employees. This provided us with a good insight into how the service is delivered and the experience of receiving the service.
The completed report is below:
