More women in the borough will be able to access mental health support during and after pregnancy, thanks to new funding.
The NHS in North West London has been awarded £600,000 by NHS England to increase mental health support for new and expectant mums over the next year.
In Ealing, the funding means care will extend to 12 months after giving birth – instead of the current six months which is in line with national guidance.
One in five women will experience a mental health problem during their pregnancy and in the first year after birth, with depression and anxiety disorders being the most common.
As well as being crucial to new mothers, newborns and their families, perinatal services (defined as those occurring during pregnancy and in the first year after childbirth), alongside treatments for common mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, can play an important role in ensuring mental health is a part of overall healthcare at the earliest possible stage of life.
News of the funding arrived just in time for Mental Health Awareness Week (14-20 May). You should be able to access these services via referral from your GP.
Dr Annabel Crowe, mental health clinical director for North West London CCG, said: “This is very good news. It is one of our priorities over the next few years to make it easier for children, young people and their families to access mental health support, it is really important to intervene as early as possible. The funding will go a long way to help us support women and families that need our help at such a vulnerable time.”
