A University of York research study
This National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded study explores how local voluntary and community services can better support the mental health of mothers and birthing parents aged under 25. The Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) is a project partner, working alongside researchers at the Mental Health Social Care Research Centre, University of York, led by Dr Ruth Naughton-Doe.
The project builds on Dr Naughton-Doe’s previous work, Co-producing Solutions to Perinatal Loneliness, and brings together several partners, including:
• The Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition
• The Maternal Mental Health Alliance
• A specialist organisation supporting Black mothers
• The Hearts and Minds Partnership
Together, we will explore how community-based services can help build trust, reduce isolation, and improve mental wellbeing during the perinatal period.
The study aims to deepen understanding of:
• What young mothers and birthing parents need for good perinatal mental health
• How voluntary and community services can meet those needs
• Why certain models of support work well in practice
To meet these aims, the research team will:
• Review existing evidence: a synthesis of published research on perinatal mental health support for young parents.
• Evaluate four community-based support services: using different models of support, the evaluation will involve:
- Mapping currently available services
- Reviewing existing service data
- Observing service delivery
- Interviewing staff
- Interviewing 10 young people from each service, three times over nine months
• Produce practical guidance; clear recommendations for commissioners, practitioners, and services.
• Publish an academic journal article
• Create an accessible output for young people
• Host an online end-of-study event
Principal Investigator: Dr Ruth Naughton-Doe
ruth.naughton-doe@york.ac.uk
Project Partners:
Contact us at sw-perinatal-research@york.ac.uk
You can also contact the Maternal Mental Health Alliance: Maria Bavetta - Maria@maternalmentalhealthalliance.org
Find out more at: https://perinatalsupport.co.uk
