New perinatal mental health resources launched
Nicole Weinstein
Monday, June 21, 2021
Resources to support the mental health of new fathers; parents who had a baby during the pandemic, and mothers from British South Asian communities, have been launched by the Institute of Health Visiting (iHV).
The interactive resources, known as Factographics, have been developed after researchers at the University of Surrey identified three distinct groups with unmet needs.
Dr Ranjana Das and Dr Paul Hodkinson at the University of Surrey, said, ‘Though it can often be a time of joy, becoming a new parent can be immensely challenging.
'We are delighted to see our research findings around unmet mental health needs become a tangible, concrete resource for people to use. This collaboration has brought to life the experiences and stories we have heard in our research, in a way that will benefit new parents and professionals going forward.’
The Factographics are produced in an innovative, engaging format and contain images, text and video testimonials from parents who have struggled, and health visitors who are trained in this area.
Melita Walker, mental health lead at the iHV, said, ‘They highlight some of the barriers to engagement, share stories and media clips about individual experiences, and provide links to organisations and helplines. Factographics strengthen relationships between parents and professionals, they bust myths and stigma and, most importantly, they let parents know that they are not alone and that there is help - they offer parents a sense of hope.’
The resources are available in web, mobile and PDF versions and they can be accessed directly by parents or shared by healthcare professionals.
Links to Factographics can be found here:
- New dad? You’re not alone…Factographic
- A baby is a blessing so why do I feel this way? Factographic
- New parent during the pandemic? Factographic
For more information on the University of Surrey’s research project, visit www.surreyperinatal.net.
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