NHS Trust staff fundraiser for charity which supports women suffering from postpartum psychosis

The exceptional staff working in the Perinatal Mental Health Liaison team, at Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, are joining together to further support their service users by organising a fundraiser for postpartum psychosis charity.

The fundraiser will involve the team walking, running, cycling and swimming 99km throughout May. The charity they are supporting with this month-long challenge is Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP), a UK based charity, dedicated to providing support and resources for those mothers who experience postpartum psychosis.

By participating in this challenge, the staff from the Perinatal team aim to raise awareness, foster empathy, and generate funds to ensure that individuals facing postpartum psychosis receive the support they need.

Perinatal mental health problems are those which occur during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of a child. Perinatal mental illness affects up to 27% of new and expectant mums and covers a wide range of conditions.

Georgie Thrippleton, HNY ICB Perinatal and Maternal Mental Health Programme Lead, said, “The team are so passionate about continuing to raise the profile of perinatal mental illness, to reduce stigma and ensure women receive the care they need and deserve to recover and thrive as a mum. It is imperative that we continue to promote women’s mental health at this vital time in a mother and babies lives to improve future outcomes for the whole family. Good luck team!”

Ryan Nicholls, HNY ICB Suicide prevention programme lead, said, “This service is an integral part of the overall prevention agenda, not only for suicide, but also for health and wellbeing. Women’s Health is requiring greater focus and attention and from my perspective, as Suicide Prevention Lead, it is something that I am progressing further as part of the wider strategy and priorities of my programme.”

Katy Morley, Service Development Manager in Perinatal Mental Health Team (RNMH) said, “I am so proud to work alongside such a passionate and dedicated service that supports women who experience perinatal mental health problems.  It is a privilege to work with families at what can be such a challenging time. Committing to undertake Miles for May for Mum’s and Babies and to further raise awareness and support such an amazing charity was an easy decision.  Any donation really does support life changing outcomes.”

The Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Team are an award-winning multi professional team that offer assessment, treatment and liaison for women experiencing mental health problems in pregnancy and in the postnatal period. The service is open to women who are registered with a GP practice in the Hull, East Riding, North Lincolnshire and North-East Lincolnshire currently within the perinatal period (during pregnancy and up to 12 months post- delivery).

To donate to their JustGiving page click here.