Steve Brine is joining up once again with NCT in calling for better support for mothers suffering from perinatal mental health problems, backing the #BeyondBabyBlues campaign, launched by NCT, the UK's largest charity for parents.
NCT has released research which found that half of new mothers were concerned about their mental health and many are suffering in silence. The charity found that almost one in five callers to their helpline had a mental health issue to discuss and over a third had not spoken to a healthcare professional about it.
The #BeyondBabyBlues campaign aims to encourage people to talk more openly about maternal mental health to avoid the mistake of dismissing potentially serious mental health issues and to seek help.
Steve Brine said: "It's unacceptable that so many new mothers are suffering in silence during this crucial time. I was delighted to hear the Spending Review announcement from the Chancellor that recognises mental health is an aspect of our NHS that has been neglected for far too long, and that the government will provide £600 million of additional funding for access to perinatal mental health services, as well as talking therapies, and crisis care."
Research by NCT last year found a staggering lack of support services for mothers' mental health. Shockingly only 3% of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) had a perinatal mental health strategy in place.
Steve Brine added: "It is so useful for me working at the Department of Health, as it means I can highlight these issues right in the heart of government, and I am delighted to back NCT here."
NCT is asking people to show their support for the campaign and for each other on social media by sharing pictures of themselves linking hands with someone else, or even with themselves, under the hashtag #BeyondBabyBlues.
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