Resources

Information Sheets

Helplines

  • NHS 111 option 2 for urgent mental health support

  • Samaritans free 24 hour support line 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

  • SHOUT text crisis service 24/7 text 85258

  • Call emergency services on 999 or attend your local A&E department

Pregnancy Planning

  • AIMS - Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services

    AIMS provides support for women and children in achieving the birth that they would like. They provide birth information and campaigns to improve maternity services, as well as a helpline for anyone using maternity services.

    https://www.aims.org.uk
  • Birthrights

    A charity supporting women in their experience of pregnancy and childbirth through access to information and advice. Provides information fact sheets and advice line.

    https://www.birthrights.org.uk
  • PANDAS - Post Natal Depression Awareness and Support

    PANDAS is a UK charity providing support for individuals and families experiencing perinatal mental illness. Support includes a free helpline, text and email support, support groups, online support groups, social media support, therapy courses and wellbeing workshops.

    https://www.pandasfoundation.org.uk
  • ARC - Antenatal Results and Choices

    A national charity offering support during pregnancy and the early days of a child’s life via courses and information sharing.

    https://www.arc-uk.org
  • NCT

    Providing support to parents through antenatal screening via information sharing, a national helpline and peer forum.

    https://www.nct.org.uk
  • FPA

    National organisation providing up to date information on relationships, sex education, sexual and reproductive health and postnatal health and wellbeing.

    https://www.fpa.org.uk
  • Cystic Fibrosis Trust

    Provides support and information for those with cystic fibrosis who would like to start a family and have concerns about the journey.

    https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk
  • Brilliant Beginnings

    Non profit professional surrogacy agency.

    https://www.brilliantbeginnings.co.uk

Tokophobia (Fear of Birth)

In England, there are a number of NHS Maternal Mental Health services that can offer support and the NHS Long Term plan has promised to have these available in every area by 2023/24. These combine maternity support and therapeutic support for women experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties related to birth trauma, Tokophobia (fear of birth) or pregnancy/baby loss. To access these services speak with your midwife, health visitor or GP, or research local services in your area to self-refer.
  • AIMS - Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services

    AIMS provides support for women and children in achieving the birth that they would like. They provide birth information and campaigns to improve maternity services, as well as a helpline for anyone using maternity services.

    https://www.aims.org.uk
  • ARC - Antenatal Results and Choices

    A national charity offering support during pregnancy and the early days of a child’s life via courses and information sharing.

    https://www.arc-uk.org
  • Action on Pre-Eclampsia

    National information providing support and information relating to preeclampsia. Support helpline available.

    https://www.action-on-preeclampsia.org.uk
  • Support organisation for Trisomy 13/18

    National organisation supporting families affected by Partaus’ and Edwards’ Syndrome and related disorders. Support offered via helpline, social media support groups, family days and information sharing.

    https://www.soft.org.uk
  • APS Support UK

    National charity supporting those affected by antiphospholipid syndrome. Information and self-help material supplied.

    https://www.aps-support.org.uk
  • CMV Action

    Organisation offering support to those affected by cytomegalovirus. Telephone and email support and access to peer support.

    https://www.cmvaction.org.uk
  • Birthrights

    A charity supporting women in their experience of pregnancy and childbirth through access to information and advice. Provides information fact sheets and advice line.

    https://www.birthrights.org.uk
  • PANDAS - Post Natal Depression Awareness and Support

    PANDAS is a UK charity providing support for individuals and families experiencing perinatal mental illness. Support includes a free helpline, text and email support, support groups, online support groups, social media support, therapy courses and wellbeing workshops.

    https://www.pandasfoundation.org.uk
  • APNI - Association for Post Natal Illness

    Providing support to families affected by post natal illness via a helpline, education and information.

    https://www.apni.org
  • Tamba Twinline

    A listening service for parents of twins and multiples offering peer support.

    https://www.tamba.org.uk/support/twinline
  • Bliss

    A charity supporting babies born prematurely and their families. Provides information and emotional support via email or video call as well as linking in with support organisations in your area.

    https://www.bliss.org.uk
  • Make Birth Better

    An organisation aiming to reduce birth trauma and improve trauma informed care through education, training and information sharing.

    https://www.makebirthbetter.org
  • NCT

    A national charity offering support during pregnancy and the early days of a child’s life via courses and information sharing.

    https://www.nct.org.uk
  • Mama Academy

    National awareness charity aimed at safer pregnancy and reducing stillbirth rates. Information and advice available.

    https://www.mamaacademy.org.uk
  • Pelvic Partnership

    Peer led organisation offering support and information to those experiencing pelvic girdle pain. Support offered via helpline and online support, information sharing and awareness raising.

    https://www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk
  • Birth Companions

    Charity dedicated to tackling inequalities and disadvantage in pregnancy, birth and early motherhood.

    https://www.birthcompanions.org.uk
  • Doula UK

    Providing access to doula services regardless of circumstances across the UK.

    https://www.doula.org.uk
  • Child Bereavement UK

    National charity supporting those experiencing bereavement of a child or anticipated bereavement. Support offered via helpline, in person and online support groups, email or live chat.

    https://www.childbereavementuk.org
  • Group Strep B Support

    Charity supporting those affected by Group Strep B. Helpline and peer support.

    https://www.gbss.org.uk
  • ICP Support

    National organisation offering support to those affected by intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Support included online meetings, social media support groups and support via telephone and email.

    https://www.icpsupport.org
  • The Lily Foundation

    Supporting families affected by mitochondrial disease . Advice line, support and advice including access to specialist equipment. Family networking days, peer support and online support.

    https://www.thelilyfoundation.org.uk
  • Peeps

    Leading charity supporting those affected by Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy. Information, peer support and support to access specialist equipment.

    https://www.peeps-hie.org
  • TFMR Mamas

    Support for those affected by termination of pregnancy for medical reasons. Support groups, social media support and Mamas Hub.

    https://www.tfmrmamas.com

Birth Trauma

In England, there are a number of NHS Maternal Mental Health services that can offer support and the NHS Long Term plan has promised to have these available in every area by 2023/24. These combine maternity support and therapeutic support for women experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties related to birth trauma, Tokophobia (fear of birth) or pregnancy/baby loss. To access these services speak with your midwife, health visitor or GP, or research local services in your area to self-refer.
  • Birth Trauma Association

    The BTA is a charity providing support to women who have experienced birth trauma. They have peer supporters and social media support groups, as well as listings for counsellors and therapists who provide support for birth trauma.

    https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk
  • PANDAS - Post Natal Depression Awareness and Support

    PANDAS is a UK charity providing support for individuals and families experiencing perinatal mental illness. Support includes a free helpline, text and email support, support groups, online support groups, social media support, therapy courses and wellbeing workshops.

    https://www.pandasfoundation.org.uk
  • AIMS - Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services

    AIMS provides support for women and children in achieving the birth that they would like. They provide birth information and campaigns to improve maternity services, as well as a helpline for anyone using maternity services.

    https://www.aims.org.uk
  • Birthrights

    A charity supporting women in their experience of pregnancy and childbirth through access to information and advice. Provides information fact sheets and advice line.

    https://www.birthrights.org.uk
  • Make Birth Better

    An organisation aiming to reduce birth trauma and improve trauma informed care through education, training and information sharing.

    https://www.makebirthbetter.org
  • Unfold Your Wings

    National service offering support to individuals affected by birth trauma. Information sharing, signposting and birth reflection sessions.

    https://www.unfoldyourwings.co.uk

Pregnancy Loss and Baby Loss

In England, there are a number of NHS Maternal Mental Health services that can offer support and the NHS Long Term plan has promised to have these available in every area by 2023/24. These combine maternity support and therapeutic support for women experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties related to birth trauma, Tokophobia (fear of birth) or pregnancy/baby loss. To access these services speak with your midwife, health visitor or GP, or research local services in your area to self-refer.
  • Child Bereavement UK

    National charity supporting those experiencing bereavement of a child or anticipated bereavement. Support offered via helpline, in person and online support groups, email or live chat.

    https://www.childbereavementuk.org
  • Cradle Charity

    National charity supporting individuals after early pregnancy loss. Online support group, access to peer support and in hospital support.

    https://www.cradlecharity.org.uk
  • Nova Foundation

    Support for those bereaved by baby loss. Antenatal classes offered for pregnancy after loss, and access to therapeutic support following baby loss. Free trauma informed resources.

    https://www.novafoundation.org.uk
  • PANDAS - Post Natal Depression Awareness and Support

    PANDAS is a UK charity providing support for individuals and families experiencing perinatal mental illness. Support includes a free helpline, text and email support, support groups, online support groups, social media support, therapy courses and wellbeing workshops.

    https://www.pandasfoundation.org.uk
  • APNI - Association for Post Natal Illness

    Providing support to families affected by post natal illness via a helpline, education and information.

    https://www.apni.org
  • The Lullaby Trust

    Provides emotional support for bereaved families via helpline, support groups and online support, social media support, access to trainer counsellors and befrienders, family days and information.

    https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk
  • The Miscarriage Association

    Support for those who have experienced loss by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy. Support is available via helpline, online support, live chat and support groups.

    https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
  • Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

    Providing support for those affected by ectopic pregnancy. Support services include telephone and email support, forums, virtual support group and access to information.

    https://www.ectopic.org.uk
  • Petals

    Baby loss charity and counselling service linked to a number of hospitals.

    https://www.petalscharity.org
  • Tommys

    National organisation providing information to families affected by stillbirth, premature birth and miscarriage.

    https://www.tommys.org
  • Tommys

    National organisation providing information to families affected by stillbirth, premature birth and miscarriage.

    https://www.tommys.org
  • Aching Arms

    Charity providing comfort bears during a heart breaking time. Support also offered via telephone and events including dads support.

    https://www.achingarms.co.uk
  • 4louis

    Supporting families following miscarriage, stillbirth or child loss. Support includes memory boxes, group craft days and personal support via email, telephone or face to face.

    https://www.4louis.co.uk
  • Baby Loss Remembrance and Support Services

    Support for those affected by miscarriage, abortion and stillbirth. National helpline, text to talk service and email support.

    https://www.blr.lifecharity.org.uk
  • Together for Short Lives

    National charity supporting those families caring for a seriously ill child. Support includes helpline, advice, support groups, family events and resources.

    https://www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk

Adjustments to Parenting

  • Best Beginnings

    A national charity supporting new parents providing information and support relating to children’s wellbeing and development.

    https://www.bestbeginnings.org.uk
  • PANDAS - Post Natal Depression Awareness and Support

    PANDAS is a UK charity providing support for individuals and families experiencing perinatal mental illness. Support includes a free helpline, text and email support, support groups, online support groups, social media support, therapy courses and wellbeing workshops.

    https://www.pandasfoundation.org.uk
  • APNI - Association for Post Natal Illness

    Providing support to families affected by post natal illness via a helpline, education and information.

    https://www.apni.org
  • Tamba Twinline

    A listening service for parents of twins and multiples offering peer support.

    https://www.tamba.org.uk/support/twineline
  • Multiple Births Foundation

    A national organisation supporting parents of multiples through pregnancy and beyond.

    https://www.multiplebirths.org.uk
  • Gingerbread

    A charity supporting single parents via helpline, webchat, information pages, online forums and parent support groups.

    https://www.gingerbread.org.uk
  • Home Start

    A national charity supporting families experiencing additional struggles including mental and physical health, isolation, disability, or financial and social concerns.

    https://www.home-start.co.uk
  • NCT

    A national charity offering support during pregnancy and the early days of a child’s life via courses and information sharing.

    https://www.nct.org.uk
  • Family Action

    Providing support to parents through antenatal screening via information sharing, a national helpline and peer forum.

    https://www.family-action.org.uk
  • Family lives

    Targeted support and early intervention to families in crisis. Support offered via helpline, live chat and email.

    https://www.familylives.org.uk
  • Care for the Family

    Charity supporting families with a range of difficulties. Including information, helplines, resources and courses.

    https://www.careforthefamily.org.uk

Perinatal Mental Health

  • PANDAS - Post Natal Depression Awareness and Support

    PANDAS is a UK charity providing support for individuals and families experiencing perinatal mental illness. Support includes a free helpline, text and email support, support groups, online support groups, social media support, therapy courses and wellbeing workshops.

    https://www.pandasfoundation.org.uk
  • APNI - Association for Post Natal Illness

    Providing support to families affected by post natal illness via a helpline, education and information.

    https://www.apni.org
  • Action on Postpartum Psychosis

    A charity for women and families affected by postpartum psychosis. Support is offered via peer forum and messaging service.

    https://www.app-network.org
  • Samaritans

    A free confidential listening service for those needing emotional support. Support is available via telephone or email.

    https://www.samaritans.org.uk
  • Mind

    National organisation providing support and advice in relation to a range of mental health difficulties.

    https://www.mind.org.uk
  • Maternal OCD

    A charity offering information and support for mums experiencing perinatal OCD.

    https://www.maternalocd.org
  • Dads Matter UK

    An organisation providing support and information for dads relating to ptsd, low mood, anxiety and other mental health related concerns.

    https://www.dadsmatteruk.org
  • Bluebell Care

    Supporting parents mental health and well-being through pregnancy, birth and beyond. Support includes peer support, well-being programmes, support for dads and counselling.

    https://www.bluebellcare.org
  • Mothers for Mothers

    Peer support organisation for those affected by perinatal mental health difficulties. Support includes helpline and support calls as well as local group support.

    https://www.mothersformothers.co.uk
  • House of Light

    Support service for those with symptoms of perinatal mental health difficulties. Helpline available.

    https://www.houseoflight.org.uk