Halton Borough Council and partners are celebrating after winning a prestigious national PIPUK (Parent Infant Partnership) Infant Mental Health award. 

Halton’s Health in Early Years Group, which consists of staff from Halton Borough Council, Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Bridgewater), and Halton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) triumphed in the Locality Award for Mental Health Inclusion category. 

The group was recognised for its work to support the mental health of new and expectant mothers, preparation for parenthood and help with bonding and attachment. 

Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Health and Wellbieng, Cllr Marie Wright, said: “Being a parent is hard enough but moreso for those dealing with mental health issues. 

“It’s important that they get the right help and support when and where it is needed to ensure both parent and child has the best outcome possible. It’s only by working together like this we can achieve that.

“This is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved and a wonderful example of partnership working between local organisations in Halton.” 

Anne Doyle, Bridgewater’s Assistant Director of Operations for Halton’s Children’s Services said: “We are delighted that Halton’s Health in Early Year’s Group has been recognised for its hard work to improve the outcomes for local families. 

“We want every child to have the best start in life and by staff from local organisations working more closely together we have been able to improve the support we provide to families especially around the mental health of local expectant mums so they can go on to build positive relationships with their children.” 

An example of some of the work carried out by Halton’s Health in Early Years Group includes:

• ‘Your baby and you’ antenatal sessions for all pregnant women. This is delivered by a range of practitioners (not just midwives) and includes both the emotional and physical preparation for birth. 
• Time for Me art group for mums with antenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression. 
• Specialist training for midwives, health visitors, health professionals and children’s workforce in bonding and attachment and parenting. 
• Pilot NHS provision for mums experiencing severe difficulties with bonding and attachment. 
• Developing a mental health pathway for expectant mums. 
• Pilot National Childbirth Trust peer support service for mums