Resources and Links

Here you will find links to a wide variety of maternity links, information about resources and about organisations that could support you.

General information

• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Coronavirus infection and pregnancy: Information for pregnant women and their families.
• Royal College of Midwives, Advice for Pregnant women and video guidance here.
• Bliss (For babies born premature or sick) Coronavirus
• COVID-19: guidance for the public on mental health well being
• Guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK
• Institute of Health Visiting: Parenting through Coronavirus
• Tommy’s: Pregnancy and Coronavirus
• Best Beginnings

Mental Health & Wellbeing support

There are many services here to support you and your family. In Greater Manchester, support for mental wellbeing is available for all parents, whether you may need a little or a lot. Please see the short video below from Greater Manchester Perinatal and Parent Infant Mental Health Services which explains more.

• MIND
• NHS Mental health in pregnancy
• Elefriends: online support forum and ideas of how to cope with big feelings
• Silver Cloud offers a number of online programmes to help ease stress levels, improve sleep or build resilience. It is available to all Greater Manchester residents for free. Each programme uses proven methods, including cognitive behavioural therapy, and all information entered is anonymous, confidential and secure.
• NHS England and NHS Improvement perinatal mental health awareness video https://youtu.be/3xTfgAMjC7Q
• Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, Mental Health Hub Page – General Mental Wellbeing section and Perinatal and Parent Infant Mental Health section. Also see Pregnancy, Family and Mental Health.
• Best Beginnings Out of the Blue is a series of videos designed to address and support parents who may be experiencing a wide range of mental health problems
• Netmums A website offering support and information on all aspects of parenting, to pregnancy and beyond. There is a specific section of the website offering support with details of where to find local and national support in person and online, including local resources and support groups.
• National Childbirth Trust Helpline: 0300 330 0772. Advice, support and counselling on all aspects of pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood.
• Spoons – neonatal support for families in Greater Manchester
• For further neonatal support, please click here for a list of resources from the North West Neonatal Operational Delivery Network.
• Dadmatters Tameside based organisation to support dads with their mental health and parent infant relationships. Offer web based and 1:1 support. Visit the Dadmatters YouTube page for videos made by dads for dads about becoming and adjusting to being a father.
• The Royal College of Psychiatrists Use the search box for resources. Full links to two are here:
  • Mental health in pregnancy leaflet
  • Postnatal Depression key facts page
• PANDAS: Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support
• Association for Postnatal illness Tel: 020 7386 0868 Telephone helpline and information leaflets for women with postnatal mental illness.
• Ideas for parents to take emotional care of themselves – Oxford Parent Infant Project
• Proud 2b Parents is an inclusive organisation for all routes to parenthood. They are run by and deliver services for LGBT+ parents/ carers to be, LGBT+ parents/carers and their children living in Greater Manchester. Proud 2b Parents doesn’t want any parents or carers to be to feel isolated, and fully understand that becoming a parent/ carer can be difficult. They offer a variety of activities for you and your little ones. Therefore get in touch and get connected, contact them on [email protected] or visit their website.
• LGBT Foundation offers a variety of services across Greater Manchester to anyone who identifies as LGBT. They want to make sure that all LGBT people are able to reach their full potential. They do this by reducing isolation, equipping you with skills, providing mental health support, and more. You can see a full list of their services on their website, and remember, they’re there if you need them.

Mental Health and Wellbeing support apps:

• Calmharm app free to download full of ideas of how to ride the wave of distress safely.
• Cove app free to download , this app enables you to create and use music to express how you are feeling
• Thrive app free to download, this app uses games to help you learn how to better manage your emotions.