PREGNANT women and new mums in Gloucestershire will benefit from nearly £1.5M funding for specialist mental health support for women, their babies and families.

Gloucestershire is one of only 20 areas across the country to be successful in being awarded this funding.

The funding will be used to set up a new community mental health team, who can help those suffering from post-natal depression and other emotional difficulties.

Dr Jeremy Welch, GP in Tewkesbury and Clinical Lead for Maternity Services at NHS Gloucestershire CCG said: “Over the past few years, we have been working with and listening to women and their partners, who have themselves experienced mental health problems around the time their baby is born.

“This has given us invaluable insight, and has helped us to develop our plans and guide steady improvements in care and support for women and families.”

Dr Sally Morgan, Consultant Psychiatrist at 2gether NHS Foundation Trust stated that the specialist staff can provide help for mental illnesses such as schizophrenia by offering medication advice, psychological support and lifestyle and treatment options.

One in six women is affected by mental health issues and stress during pregnancy or after birth.

Kathy Williams, cabinet member for long-term care at Gloucestershire County Council said: “This is an important part of making sure that, right across health and social care, mental health issues are treated as seriously as physical health ones.

“This funding will help ensure mothers get the support they need at this critical time.”

This development supports a number of key themes within Gloucestershire’s Sustainability and Transformation Plan, to read more about the STP and how you can get involved, visit the STP website at: www.gloucestershireSTP.net