Support for young mothers

9:44am Friday 9th February 2007

YOUNG mothers in Somerset could benefit from a new scheme offering intensive support from community midwifes and health visitors.

In an initiative called Parent Support Project, Somerset County Council and Somerset Primary Care Trust are just one of ten successful health and social care districts to be chosen to trial the scheme.

The scheme is voluntary, but will focus on the most vulnerable in the community, including teenage mothers, mums-to-be who have experienced mental ill health or mothers who find it difficult to access services.

This health-led scheme is an important collaboration between the NHS and Somerset County Council and complements existing schemes, such as Sure Start Programmes and Children's Centres, which aim to reduce the gap between the health and life chances of the wealthiest and poorest in the county.

Judith Brown, director of provider services, of Somerset Primary Care Trust, said: "Pregnancy and the first two years are vital for a child's development and for their future, life chances and achievements. The birth of a first child provides a unique opportunity for support and advice to be provided for parents at a time when they can be most receptive this type of input. This new scheme will benefit not only the individual children but also their families and local community.

"Midwifery and health visiting services are ideally placed to identify children and families who can most benefit from this service and provide intensive home support that should make all the difference."