Parents Share Experiences to Offer Hope in Cornwall’s New Perinatal Mental Health Support Booklet

In the week of World Mental Health Day, Cornwall’s Perinatal Mental Health Service has launched a new booklet, Stories of Hope, designed to support those experiencing perinatal mental health challenges. The booklet features personal accounts from past and present service users, aimed at providing comfort and hope to families who may be struggling.

Cornwall’s Perinatal Mental Health Service Celebrates 10 Years

The Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s Perinatal Mental Health Service, which specialises in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of women with moderate to severe mental illness during preconception, pregnancy, and postnatal periods, marked its 10th anniversary in 2023. The service was established following the tragic loss of Angela Harrison, a local mother who took her own life just four months after giving birth.

Her husband, Anthony, set up the Angela Harrison Charitable Trust after her passing. He realised the lack of services, support, and information available at that time. This trust played a pivotal role in establishing Cornwall’s Perinatal Mental Health Service, which has since grown to offer comprehensive care to women across the region. For more information on the trust, visit the Angela Harrison Charitable Trust website.

Sharing Stories of Hope

As part of its 10-year anniversary celebration, service users were invited to share their personal journeys for inclusion in the Stories of Hope booklet. The aim is to help others navigating similar challenges during pregnancy or the postnatal period. Ruth Marsden, Operational Lead for the service, highlighted the significance of the booklet, saying it aims to provide hope and guidance for families using the service.

“We wanted to create something that could benefit future service users,” said Ruth. “The stories of hope are important to show people coming into the service what they might expect. We hope that it will give them real hope for their future.”

A Parent’s Perspective

One of the contributors to the booklet is Kelly from Newquay, who experienced anxiety and low mood during her pregnancy with her son Sonny. Kelly shared her journey in the booklet to offer encouragement to others. Reflecting on her experience with the Perinatal Mental Health Service, she said, “At first, I felt a lot of shame for feeling how I did, but the team taught me that it is OK to not be OK. I wanted to let others know that recovery from perinatal mental illness is possible. It is nothing to be ashamed of.”

Kelly’s story is just one of many included in the booklet, which can be downloaded here. Hard copies are also available upon request.

New Perinatal Loss and Trauma Team

In addition to its established services, the Perinatal Mental Health Service has recently launched a Perinatal Loss and Trauma Team. This new team offers psychological interventions to women and birthing people who have experienced loss or trauma during their pregnancy or birth, particularly those who may have missed out on mental health support previously. Read more about Cornwall’s Perinatal Mental Health Service.

The Stories of Hope booklet aims to remind parents that they are not alone in their struggles. Through sharing these personal experiences, the Perinatal Mental Health Service hopes to offer reassurance and support to those in need.