A groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting the mental health of expectant parents has launched in Rochdale.
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children’s (NSPCC) Pregnancy in Mind (PiM) service, an eight-week virtual program designed to help parents struggling with mild to moderate anxiety or depression, was introduced in January in partnership with Rochdale Care Organisation.
The launch marks a significant step forward in perinatal mental health support, bringing together professionals from across the area to ensure that parents receive the care they need during pregnancy and beyond.
Representatives from the NSPCC visited Derby Street Family Hub in Heywood to meet with local healthcare workers and discuss how the service will integrate with existing support networks.
Emma Carey, specialist health visitor for perinatal and infant mental health at Rochdale Care Organisation, emphasized the importance of early intervention.
"Good mental health for expectant parents is crucial, as their well-being directly impacts their baby’s development," Emma said. "A baby’s experiences during the first 1,001 days—from conception to their second birthday—play a vital role in shaping their lifelong health and well-being."
The Pregnancy in Mind course provides expectant parents with mindfulness and relaxation techniques, coping strategies, and guidance on fostering a nurturing bond with their baby. Participants also receive one-on-one phone support from an NSPCC worker throughout pregnancy and after birth. The service will connect parents with additional resources available in Rochdale and maintain communication with referrers if concerns arise.
"This program is invaluable," Emma added. "By supporting parents early, we can help give families the best possible start and reduce the risk of challenges later on."
The Pregnancy in Mind program is a key component of Rochdale Borough’s “Start for Life” initiative, which ensures accessible perinatal and infant mental health support for all parents. Plans are underway to expand access through an online platform, making the service more inclusive for working parents or those who may struggle to attend in-person sessions.
This initiative complements existing Start for Life services, which include:
· The Early Attachment Service, supporting parent-infant bonding
· Enhanced perinatal and infant mental health care within the Health Visiting Service
· Open House drop-in sessions, providing free perinatal mental health support at family hubs
With the launch of Pregnancy in Mind, Rochdale is taking a proactive approach to early mental health intervention, ensuring that parents and babies alike have the foundation for a healthier, happier future.