Samaritans Freephone Helpline 116 123 
Provides a confidential emotional support service for anyone in the UK, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
jo@samaritans.org
www.samaritans.org

A community-based service supporting  mothers who are experiencing, or who have previously experienced, severe mental health difficulties during pregnancy or up to a year after birth. 

They provide support to women and their families across East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove.

Perinatal services : Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Mind explains perinatal mental health; the different common types of perinatal mental illnesses, possible causes, treatments and support options. Also provides information for family, friends and advice for partners to help manage during pregnancy and following the birth of a baby.

The Pandas Foundation offers peer support to women and families affected by perinatal mental illness. Provides information about perinatal mental health, well-being and about other supports available, latest news and newsletters as well as providing email and telephone support. 

Availability: 7 days a week 11.00am-10.00pm 

Telephone Helpline: 08081961776

Baby Buddy has been established by a 2nd tier charity in conjunction with Best Beginnings and approved for use by NHS.  It is a free interactive app which provides information and support to women from conception, through pregnancy, until a child’s 5th birthday. It offers a text support for individuals in mental health crisis who will signpost to “Shout” another charity partner who provide trained counsellors that will support and triage perinatal mental health and signpost to additional support if necessary.

Mush was a friendly app for mums which has now been taken over by Mumsnet, created by 2 mums after they met on maternity leave in a playground. It has spawned over 2 million friendships, is the number one social app for mums and is inclusive to all women. Mums who use Mush can find friends who live nearby with kids the same age, arrange meet-ups, get advice from parent experts and fellow mums and join group chats. Mush has been selected by NHS England as an innovation that is improving maternal health in the UK. They are working together with midwives, health visitors and perinatal mental health specialists to reach mums across the UK.

Mental wellbeing in pregnancy; with Tommy's, find patient information written by midwives.

Action on Postpartum Psychosis is a national charity for women and families affected by post-partum psychosis.

BUMPS (Best use of Medicine in Pregnancy)is an information leaflets for women and their partners about use of medication in pregnancy and when breastfeeding.

Maternal OCD has support and Information for women with Perinatal Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. 

PND and Me is a website and online support group for sufferers of perinatal mental illness.

Family Action has information, advice and support for families. 

Family Lives has help and support for any families who are struggling. 

Health in Mind is the free NHS Talking Therapies Service for anyone in East Sussex experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties.

Promoting mental health and designed by NHS Fife, Mood Cafe promotes mental health and well-being.  This website offers information on and resources to manage a wide range of experiences.

Living Life is a free telephone service for anyone feeling low, depressed or anxious.

If you would prefer the flexibility of evening appointments, or would find it difficult to travel to attend appointments face to face, then you might prefer to contact this service. They can arrange telephone appointments for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Guided Self Help sessions after an initial assessment appointment over the telephone. 

You can find out more about this treatment option by visiting their website or phone, 0800 328 9655