Providing early, flexible parenting support for families living in deprivation can boost mothers’ mental health and promote family wellbeing, according to a new evaluation from Centre for Mental Health.
Here for as long as you need us shares the evaluation findings of the Healthy Little Minds programme in Nottingham, which delivers early support to strengthen parent-infant relationships and boost parents’ mental health. The report finds that support from Healthy Little Minds led to significant reductions in anxiety and postnatal depression.
Most of the families supported by Healthy Little Minds live in the most deprived areas of Nottingham. Commissioned by Small Steps Big Changes, which is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the programme offered a range of support including psychotherapy, play therapy, sleep support and parenting programmes.
The report finds that Healthy Little Minds’ support delivered significant economic benefits, including reduced service usage and enhanced quality of life. Its offer of flexible support, not limited by number of sessions or long waiting lists, enabled the programme to build strong, trusting relationships and deliver more effective care.
Research shows that one in five women experience a mental health problem before or after having a baby. The risks are higher for women living in poverty or with experience of trauma. The report finds that, by addressing families’ needs as a whole and collaborating with other agencies, Healthy Little Minds helps to prevent financial stress, unstable housing, and domestic abuse.
Here for as long as you need us says that perinatal mental health problems can have a devastating impact on both women and their families, and increase the chances of their children having poor mental health. The report finds that early support to boost parents’ mental health and improve parent-infant bonding can therefore have long-term benefits across generations.
Andy Bell, chief executive at Centre for Mental Health, said: “Supporting parents with young children makes sense as an investment in the mental health of future generations. Healthy Little Minds shows what’s possible, and how meeting the needs of parents in the most disadvantaged areas can help to reduce inequalities and support families when they need it.”
Karla Capstick, SSBC Programme Director, said: “Small Steps Big Changes are pleased to have commissioned the Healthy Little Minds Service in Nottingham. There are currently only 46 specialised parent infant relationships services across the UK, yet the crucial importance of the first 1001 days in shaping a child’s outcomes are well documented. Our focus on prevention and early intervention in the early years is helping to shift the narrative locally and nationally and we are pleased to share this report from Centre for Mental Health highlighting the benefits for babies and families alongside the wider public value as an investment, ensuring all children can access the best start.”
