The bike ride is approaching fast, if you’d like to get involved check out our flyer and donation form!
Sponsored Bike Ride 24th April 2022
The Angela Harrison Charitable Trust have organised a sponsored bike ride which will be held on Sunday 24th April 2022. The riders will cycle 24 miles from Padstow Camel Trail cycling to Bodmin and back.
Money raised will contribute towards the invaluable delivery of direct training from the renowned Dr Alain Gregoire.
Dr Darren Mackintosh, Consultant Psychiatrist with Cornwall's Perinatal Mental Health Team, says: we all know someone whose mental health has been impacted on by the pandemic, and pregnant women and new mum's are no exception to this. They've had to face increased difficulties accessing services, social isolation and less support from family and friends, difficult decisions about treatment, including vaccines; and at home many have had to deal with an increase in domestic violence. The Angela Harrison Trust continues to support these mum's and their families, and your support of the Trust is greatly valued.
A just giving page will be added in due course and we welcome supporters on the day.
Tommy's New partnership to support mothers with serious mental illness
UK pregnancy charity Tommy’s has partnered with NHS England, Public Health England and King’s College London to improve support for women who may get pregnant while managing a serious mental illness (SMI).
Up to 1 in 5 women have mental health problems during pregnancy and after birth, with depression and anxiety affecting 10-15 per cent of pregnancies*. Many of the 551,000 people in the UK currently managing SMI** are women who may be trying to conceive, or at risk of unplanned pregnancy, which could leave them vulnerable. Expectant and new mums with SMI are at higher risk of physical and mental health issues – for example, mothers diagnosed with bipolar or schizoaffective disorder are much more likely to develop post-partum psychosis.
Despite the need to carefully manage their SMI going into pregnancy, studies have shown that up to 90% of women will stop taking medication for an existing mental health problem when they stop contraception or when they discover they are pregnant. Although done with good intentions for fear of affecting the baby’s health, this often happens without talking to a health professional beforehand, which can have serious consequences such as causing a relapse***.
Experts from Tommy’s and KCL have teamed up with health authorities at NHSE and PHE to help women with SMI make informed decisions around when to get pregnant and how to treat their condition during pregnancy. Together the organisations have developed a new online information and support hub for anyone with SMI planning a pregnancy, as well as practical guidance for the frontline healthcare professionals who support them. The charity also updated its Planning for Pregnancy tool so preconception health advice is tailored for SMI.
Tommy’s CEO Jane Brewin explained: “Women with SMI have some of the worst pregnancy outcomes and are often overlooked in traditional pregnancy information, leaving them struggling for advice and support. We are delighted to have been involved in this project to develop targeted guidance for them so they can better plan for a healthy pregnancy. This additional hub and improved tool will now become part of the suite of our comprehensive PregnancyHub resources we offer for women to support their mental health in the perinatal period.”
Louise Howard, Professor of Women’s Mental Health at Kings College London, added: “I’m delighted that we have been able to produce these resources for women and healthcare professionals to support women with serious mental illness in planning for pregnancy. This will mean that women can be ready both physically and mentally for pregnancy and when getting to know their new baby and reduce the risk of physical and mental health complications. The period before pregnancy (preconception) is an ideal time to prepare for a pregnancy even if not actively planning to do so right now and I hope these resources will make women feel more confident and able to discuss future childbearing with their healthcare professionals.”
Consultant perinatal psychiatrist Dr Lucinda Green commented: “This is a fantastic resource. It will help healthcare professionals feel more confident in proactively discussing the possibility of future pregnancy with women of childbearing age who have had a serious mental illness. It will potentially reduce the chance of unplanned pregnancies, empower women who want to have a family, increase the number of women accessing specialist preconception advice and improve women’s physical and mental health before and during pregnancy.”
To find out more, visit www.tommys.org/planning-a-pregnancy-and-mental-illness
Having a baby during a pandemic
Cornwall mum shares experience of postnatal depression:
https://planetradio.co.uk/pirate-fm/local/news/having-a-baby-in-a-global-pandemic/
Watch this space ........
The Angela Harrison Charitable Trust will be planning some exciting fundraising events for this year however, due to the current climate and the uncertainty of how this will affect us all going forward, we will be posting news and details as soon as the situation changes for the UK and it becomes safe for us to do so therefore with this in mind, please do watch this space…….
Some of our past events have been very successful and lots of fun e.g. Bike ride along the Camel Trail, Perranporth Fun Day at the Boating Lake, Wave rider session at Retallack etc. The money raised all goes towards helping fund various projects like supporting our Mental Health Service, helping local support groups, providing resources such as boxes of books, to Surgeries, Health centres, Midwives, Nurseries etc and helping us to organise our highly successful Study Day which provides training, insight and opportunities to NHS staff of all grades working within their various fields providing health and social care for Mothers, their Partners and Families alike. Such days provide the opportunity for the attendees to network, learn and share best practice and also give each other support in their often difficult roles.
Thank you all for your continued support and keep taking care of each other.
Mothers on the edge
Louis Theroux presents an interesting and eye opening documentary on the severe end of Perinatal Mental Health issues and how they impact women, babies and the whole family.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00052dk/louis-theroux-mothers-on-the-edge
Perinatal Mental Health Continual Professional Development Upcoming Workshops
The Angela Harrison Trust are also hosting some AMAZING workshops this May, with the renowned Consultant and honorary senior lecturer in perinatal psychiatry, Dr Alain Gregoire who will be delivering a FREE half-day workshop covering the detection and management of mental health problems in women around childbirth and practical skills in infant mental health to a variety of practitioners across the county.
Perinatal Mental Health Team staff update
The final nursing and admin posts have been filled! The admin are all in post now and working hard to support the team. The final two nursing posts have also been filled and are due to join the team over the coming months.
The Perinatal Team are expanding!
The final nursing and admin posts have been shortlisted and we will be interviewing this month! Our previous team of 3 has over a dozen practitioners covering the county.
The team have also under taken specialist training allowing us to offer psychological interventions in the perinatal period such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and VIG (Video interactive Guidance). Further specialist training will also be undertaken throughout 2019 allowing us to offer more specialised therapies.
Exter MBU Update
Mother & Baby Unit – Future Recruitment
As the build of the permanent 8-bed Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) rapidly progresses, attention is now turning to the recruitment of additional staff. The core posts being recruited to are:
Mental Health Nursing Staff (B5)
Nursery Nurses (B4)
Healthcare Assistants (B3)
Admin Support (B3)
Facilities Assistants (B2)
Peer Support Worker (B3)
So, we asked members of the current nursing team as to what it’s like working in the MBU, and here’s what they had to say.
Nick Webber, Staff Nurse
“Working on the MBU is a real privilege. Like all other wards and departments, you need a sense of compassion and commitment for our service users, but where the MBU differs is where the lives of the mothers become entwined in the lives of their babies. It is a wonderful thing to see at first- hand how our support for mothers and mothers to be, has a real impact on their lives, their babies and the family as a whole.
Since coming to work on the MBU, I was made quickly aware of, not only the needs of the women using our service, but also the therapeutic needs of Dads and how they also need to be supported through the mental health journey of their partners. Men have distinct needs and show these very differently than the women we care for. That’s why working in an MBU is a role for both men and women as both offer something special to the people we care for.
That’s why I would like to encourage more men to come and work with us, and to make this a positive career choice. As men, we have an important role to play with the women in our service and offer something unique for them and their families. What more can I say except it’s a great place to work. Lovely colleagues and a job satisfaction in a very special and compassionate service.”
Ellie Hitchcock, Support Worker
“I enjoy working on the mother and baby unit because the team are dedicated to achieving positive outcomes for mums and their babies. This is accomplished by forming professional relationships with patients by talking and listening to the mums, completing various activities, counselling and psychotherapy.
Sometimes the job can be challenging but as a new team and service, we are supportive of each other and this helps us to bond, learn and grow together.”
Mandy Hewitt, Nursery Nurse
“When working on the MBU two days or nights are never the same!
The Nursery Nurses work as part of a multi-skilled team. We support mothers to provide care for their babies from new-born to aged 12 months. The tasks we support with include practical support of daily care for babies including feeding, bathing and nappy changing. We also get to organise a variety of fun sensory and play experiences that are age appropriate for the babies. This may include baby massage, water play or messy play. We also provide care and play opportunities for visiting siblings. We have an outdoor space and can also support with escorted leave which perhaps may be accompanying a mum with her baby to the local GP surgery or supermarket.
The role includes supporting mum and baby interactions. By giving guidance and modelling interactions with babies to support their development and also building a positive relationship between mother and child. This can be challenging at times and distressing to see both mum and baby struggling to make a connection but when you see the glimmers of recovery this can be so gratifying and fulfilling for all involved.
As a Nursery Nurse we are able to provide information around the day to day care of the babies and promote the development of the child, which we track using the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Working on MBU as a Nursery Nurse is a very rewarding role. When a mum says that she has felt love for the first time for her 5 month old baby we know as a team we are doing a good job. When a mum of a 10 month old tells you she is enjoying motherhood for the first time that is so worthwhile. When a mum, who is so anxious it is impacting of her ability to parent, becomes more confident in her own ability enough to return to her family home that makes this job wonderful.”
Please look out for soon to be advertised vacancies within NHS Jobs and Trust Internal vacancies. If you’re interested in applying and would like to find out more about the role, the MBU or to arrange a visit, please contact Hannah Fieldhouse, Ward Manager by email hannahfieldhouse@nhs.net
Build on the permanent unit continues to progress extremely well, and with the roof and soon to be built walls, it is hoped that the building will be watertight ahead of the winter months. The latest edition of the Interserve Newsletter can be read here.
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Mixture of professionals and service users involved in the #WhoseShoes event today. The perinatal team have a prese… https://t.co/9gLSBRJIfi -
Great to have our @DPT_Perinatal AMHP colleague delivering perinatal AMHP training today to Cornwall AMHP's. Lots o… https://t.co/o2KpV8q9c8
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Last perinatal training session with Dr Alain Gregoire consultant perinatal psychiatrist in Cornwall today. Mixture… https://t.co/Hu3qT7zNbw
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Another fantastic afternoon in the company of Dr Alain Gregoire delivering perinatal training to a wide range of pr… https://t.co/5rw7TTOQaF
Exciting MBU news!
2 new Mother and Baby Unit Outreach Workers have recently been appointed. They will become the new link between Mother and baby Units and the Community.
The Outreach workers will be working with admission valuable women in partnership with the Community Perinatal Mental Health Team. They will be working more intensely with women to help prevent admissions to MBU's where possible.
Should this not be possible, they will support MBU admissions, regularly visiting women, facilitating discharges and offering intensive visiting and treatment for up to 3 months post discharge.
Overall making the admission pathway seamless for the women using it.
Exciting news for WILD - Young Parents' Project
On Thursday 17th May WILD Young Parents' Project was named overall winner of the 2018 GSK IMPACT Awards at a ceremony held at the Science Museum in London. The charity was chosen from this year’s eight winning charities to receive the overall winner’s award receiving a total donation of £40,000, and access to a unique training and development programme. The awards have been running for 21 years and during that time over £6.2m has been awarded to nearly 440 organisations across the UK.
Maternal Mental Health Matters Week April 30th – 6th May
Last week Dr Mackintosh, Consultant Psychiatrist with Cornwall's Perinatal Mental Health Team, had been giving radio interviews to Pirate FM and Radio Cornwall to promote Maternal Mental Health Matters Week. Organised by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance and now in it's second year the week of events seeks to reduce the taboo around maternal mental illness and encourage women who might be struggling to come forward for the help they can get.
Perinatal Mental Health Team Baby Massage Training
Seven members of the Perinatal Mental Health Team together with a Peer Support member undertook a two day Baby Massage Training Course in January with Peter Walker an internationally renowned Physical Therapist who has been working with babies, children and families for over 30 years.
Some of the key benefits of early massage and skin to skin physical contact stimulates the release of the "love hormone" , oxytocin and "stress relievers", endorphins. The sense of touch increases confidence and makes the baby feel protected and loved which strengthens physical and emotional bonds and encourages feelings of tranquillity.
The team valued the opportunity to participate in the training and are looking forward to delivering this therapeutic intervention with identified mums and babies referred to the Perinatal team across the county.
County Perinatal Services Expand following Funding Boost
The service, provided by the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust now has a range of clinicians including mental health nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, specialist nursery nurses, psychologists and increased consultant cover.
After successfully obtaining additional funding from NHS England, the Perinatal Mental Health Service has expanded significantly and is now able to offer a more enhanced service across Cornwall.
Mandy Raywood, Specialist Perinatal Team Leader said, “Our target group are women who have a significant mental illness or been identified as at risk of developing one during their perinatal period. This period covers pregnancy up to the baby’s first birthday and includes women who have bipolar disorder, puerperal or postpartum psychosis, schizophrenia and significant depression and anxiety.
Mandy added, “We offer pre-conceptual advice to women in this group who are considering having a baby. This includes consideration of risk factors; the treatments available, medications, a care pathway and a crisis and contingency plan that could be put in place should the mum have a relapse around the time of having a baby. This then enables the woman to make an informed choice about her pregnancy.”
Most referrals come from midwives who ask about mental ill health when women are registering their pregnancies. The team focuses on wellbeing and things that will help mum to stay well during her pregnancy and post-natal period.
For mums who have been identified as being in need of more help, the service offers a consultant appointment, psychiatric medication advice in pregnancy and breastfeeding, specialist psychological interventions, attachment based interventions to support the relationship between mum and baby, and birth planning. Birth planning entails drawing services together later in pregnancy to develop a care plan accommodating the mum’s mental health needs around the time of delivery and immediate post-natal period.
The care plan is then placed in the mum’s maternity records and shared with all professionals involved in providing care, the midwife, health visitor and GP. Partners and extended family members are also included wherever possible throughout the services involvement.
The service also has a dedicated group of peer supporters who have experienced significant perinatal mental health problems and are involved in developing the perinatal services further. They have been involved in recruiting staff and providing training for professionals, they also run peer support groups in the St Austell area.
The perinatal team recently celebrated the expansion of their team by organising a successful re-launch event to promote their services. This was held at the Royal Cornwall Hospital and was attended by clinicians and experts in the perinatal field who were available to offer advice and guidance to visitors.
To find out more about the perinatal service or to speak to a member of the Perinatal Mental Health Team please call (01872) 221031 in office hours.
If you are interested in becoming involved in the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, playing your part or having your say to help shape and influence the Trust’s services why not join us and become a member.
For more information please contact the Membership Office on 01208 834639 or visit www.cornwallft.nhs.uk and search ‘membership’ to download an application form.
Exciting Times for the Perinatal Team
The Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Team have been successful in their application to NHS England for additional funding to expand the existing perinatal team.
We have recently shortlisted 5 candidates for interview for 2 band 6 Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Nurse posts and will be interviewing just before Christmas.
We will also be advertising for a range of other disciplines including an Occupational Therapist, Social Worker, Nursery Nurses, Psychologist and more Medical staffing. Exciting times and we hope the service will be more accessible and equitable across the county for women in the perinatal period.
‘Sour Milk’: Farah Hughes Photography
Farah Hughes has undertaken a BA in Applied Media.
As part of her project she put together a fascinating series of images depicting post-natal depression as well as some information on the subject.
To see Farah’s work and read about post-natal depression go to the following link
‘Becoming a Mother’: A Hot Cup of Tea with Hollie McNish
Woman’s Hour features a series on ‘Becoming a Mother’ where Hollie McNish has a series of discussions with people about her and their own experiences of motherhood. In one episode http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04c06tr Fiona Putnam discusses her experience of postnatal psychosis.
Annual General Meeting
The Angela Harrison Charitable Trust held its Annual General Meeting on 08 June 2016. We welcomed Mandy Raywood, Manager of the Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Team at Cornwall Foundation Trust, to the committee.
Sandra Batty has been re-elected as Treasurer, Jackie Harrison as Secretary and Dr Adrian Flynn as Chair.
We are looking forward to another year of campaigning, fundraising and educating across Cornwall in perinatal mental health.
National Expert Visits Cornwall
Last year the Trust organised for Dr Liz MacDonald a Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist from London with over 30 years’ experience in the area to come to Cornwall. Liz delivered three tailored half-day teaching programmes for Health Visitors and Midwives, Community Mental Health staff, GP’s and Psychiatrists. The training took place at the Alverton Manor and the Knowledge Spa. In total almost 200 local health professionals received some excellent specialist training.
The local Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service gave updates on the local perinatal pathway and their role and activities. Our feedback showed that the training was extremely well received and we hope to be able to deliver similar training in the future.
