Cheltenham’s MP, Alex Chalk, has welcomed the Government’s announcement it will be providing £1.5 million in funding for perinatal support for new mothers and their children in Gloucestershire.
Health visitors, midwives and A&E nurses are among the groups of healthcare professionals who will now be supported to become perinatal mental health champions. This will be part of a new training scheme in the region, funded via Health Education England.
Mr Chalk has been championing investment in mental health support in Parliament. Earlier this month he led a debate at Westminster on the impact of social media on children and young people’s mental health.
Alex Chalk said: “More than one in 10 women experience depression and associated issues during pregnancy and the year following birth. Too many suffer in silence and their symptoms are not always being identified.
“I was really moved when constituents came to see me about this issue. It took a lot of courage for them to open up about their experiences. I’m encouraged that our town will be seeing increased investment. Improving the skills and confidence in the healthcare workforce will make a difference to identify and manage mental health issues in new mothers.’’