Understanding Medication for Perinatal Mental Health – a peer support guide

Lifeboat Perinatal Mental Health CIC is a not-for-profit social enterprise providing training and awareness raising for front line workers and those people supporting parents during pregnancy, birth and beyond. With around 1 in 5 women developing a mental health problem during this period, there are still many areas of the UK with little support for those experiencing mild to moderate symptoms. Lifeboat aims to train both statutory and voluntary sector staff to help deliver a more comprehensive and accessible service for parents and infants.

However, we also believe that “prevention is better than cure”. There is increasing focus on the need to educate young adults around mental wellbeing to reduce the potential development of perinatal mental illness. So, as part of our community initiatives we are delivering seminars and workshops to early years staff, secondary school children, universities, colleges and workplaces.

Why the name Lifeboat? During the final session of our Perinatal Comfort Zone programme, parents draw their mental health recovery journey. On many occasions we see images of people adrift in the sea at the start of their journey. However, by the end they have made it to a rescue boat. That boat is often someone who supports them along the way, offering hope and shelter in difficult times.

Watch out for more online events and training courses to help support you in your amazing work with families