A mental health service for mums and their families has won a national award.
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust runs one of the largest specialist community perinatal mental health services in the country.
The Essex Perinatal Mental Health Service received more than 4,000 referrals for new mothers in the last year.
The team was a finalist in the Positive Practice in Mental Health Awards yesterday (Thursday 19 June) and won the award for Perinatal and Maternal Mental Health.
The multi-disciplinary team includes doctors, psychologists, a pharmacist, psychotherapist, social workers, nursery nurse, and occupational therapists.
Together with their colleagues, they provide community-based treatment and support for mums, mums-to-be and their families.
Peer workers from local charity Parents 1st work provide emotional and practical support for parents to complement the therapeutic care provided by the clinical team.
It works closely with maternity hospitals, health visitors, GPs, other mental health services, social care, charities and community organisations to provide holistic treatment and support for families.
The Essex Perinatal Mental Health Service has five hubs based close to the county’s five acute maternity hospitals.
Dr Rina Gupta, Consultant Psychiatrist for our perinatal mental health services, said: “Our staff and partners are committed to providing compassionate and non-judgmental care for families, and this award is a wonderful recognition of their passion and dedication.
“It is a privilege to give mums and their families much needed support and to see them flourish.”
Find out more about the care and support available on the Essex Perinatal Mental Health Service page.