Investment in perinatal and early years counselling support in Scotland will make a difference to parents and families.

Jo Holmes, our Children, Young People and Families Lead, has welcomed the financial support, which is part of a £1 million investment in charities specialising in mental health and wellbeing support in pregnancy and early years

Provided by the Scottish Government's Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Fund, the money will go to 34 charities that help new families take their first steps in raising babies and young children.

Charities that provide counselling are among those to benefit including CrossReach (£128,624); PND Borders (£118,000); Human Development Scotland (£98,624); Healthy Valleys (£150,624); Quarriers (£210,528); Held in Our Hearts (£12,000); MindMosaic Counselling and Therapy (£12,000); Pregnancy Counselling and Care (Scotland) (£12,000); and With Kids (£11,880).

Counselling support

Jo said: “It’s wonderful to see investment in third sector services throughout Scotland offering perinatal and early years counselling support to women and families.

“Having access to the earliest possible help at such a critical time will make a real difference to family life, ensuring those with the greatest need can access free mental health support provided by qualified, trained counselling practitioners.”

The Fund enables organisations to provide one-to-one and group-based support and care that parents, carers and new babies need. More than 7,000 parents, expectant parents and infants have been supported by the funded organisations.

One user of Mind Mosaic Counselling and Therapy spoke of their experience of the service

“The group really helped me to feel less alone in my struggles, and the calm friendly way you welcomed us all each Thursday morning set the tone to make it easy and comfortable to share experiences."

Non-stigmatising

Mental Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “We want all mothers and their families to have access to good mental health care throughout pregnancy and during the postnatal period.

“The third sector plays a key role in access to perinatal and mental health support, and with the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic and the cost crisis, their work is more important now than ever.”

Jo added: "The third sector is uniquely placed to deliver non-stigmatising, bespoke counselling support which is holistic and flexible. Longer term funding ensures continuity of provision at a time when many charities are struggling financially with more uncertain times ahead."