As part of a campaign for Maternal Mental Health Week (May 2-8), Home-Start South East Dorset is raising awareness among local mums to let them know that in addition to clinical services, vital peer support is available in their area through the charity’s network of confidential, trained volunteers.

Community & Corporate engagement manager at Home-Start South East Dorset, Caroline Pope, said: “For Maternal Mental Health Week we are encouraging families to talk about their wellbeing and not be afraid to ask for help.

“There is still a real stigma around talking openly about parental mental health. We would love to encourage mums who are finding things difficult to take the brave decision to reach out for support.

“Parenting is hard. It can be wonderful but it can also be lonely and frustrating. That is why we at Home-Start South East Dorset are ready to stand alongside families when they need us most with compassionate, non-judgemental support.”

Home-Start South East Dorset supports mums’ mental health with a wide range of activities, including trained home-visiting volunteers who work one-to-one to support families. They have recently launched a telephone and online befriending service and are about to start a new drop-in family group on Southbourne Beach, starting on Tuesday 10 May. They run regular Bumps and Babies groups, family groups and wellness walks, supporting families with children under five across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Alex Corgier, perinatal lead for Home-Start UK, said: “This year’s theme of Maternal Mental Health Week is fitting as it is ‘The Power of Connections’.

“We know only too well how not being able to see family and friends has been difficult throughout the pandemic. Home-Start harnesses the power of human connection to support families facing mental health challenges in the perinatal period. The excellent support our staff and trained volunteers provide has an amazing impact on families – because we truly are stronger together.”

In its eighth year, Maternal Mental Health Week, is a campaign dedicated to talking about mental health problems during and after pregnancy.

To find out how to access support from Home-Start South East Dorset visit https://homestartsoutheastdorset.org.uk/