First service of its kind in Essex opens for those experiencing perinatal loss
A new maternal mental health service, called By Your Side, has launched in Essex, coinciding with Baby Loss Awareness Week.
The service is provided by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, in collaboration with midwifery colleagues, and offers therapeutic care, and grief therapy, for people who were pregnant and have experienced a perinatal loss.
This includes those who have experienced a miscarriage at any stage, still birth, neonatal death or planned termination and have been significantly affected by the loss.
This is the first specialist, evidence based, psychological and therapeutic service for perinatal loss within Essex.
EPUT’s existing perinatal mental health service in the community works with people who are pregnant or who have a baby up to one year old, and this service bridges the gap by providing a course of therapy to those who have been significantly affected by a loss.
Stephanie Lambert, Principal Practitioner Psychologist and Clinical Lead at EPUT, said "I am delighted that, in collaboration with specialist midwives in Essex, we are able to offer the very first NHS, evidence based, psychological and compassionate service for those who have experienced perinatal loss.
"Each person's journey is unique and each baby's life too precious to forget. By Your Side will offer compassionate care so that people who have experienced a loss feel less isolated in their experience. By Your Side will be a supportive and safe service where women can explore their emotions, thoughts and responses to a loss."
Paul Scott, Chief Executive, said “I am proud that EPUT is collaborating with midwives to bridge the gap between existing perinatal mental health services and provide specialised therapy to those who need it.”
Natural responses to trauma and loss can include grief, pain, sadness, loneliness, anger, guilt, helplessness, self-blaming, mood swings and low mood. However, if these symptoms persist or worsen and have a significant impact, a higher level of support may be required, which is where By Your Side can help.
By Your Side is provided for those aged 18+ and will initially accept referrals for people in South West Essex. This includes those with a GP in Basildon, Brentwood or Thurrock. It is hoped that, by April 2024, the whole of Essex will be able to access it.
The service is enhanced by midwifery expertise and further integrates joint working between mental health and maternity services. It will work alongside pre-existing mental health services, third sector organisations and specialist midwives across Essex.
Referrals are accepted from qualified professionals working in health or social care. This could include referral from a midwife, a GP, health visitor or social worker, another EPUT or mental health service and also mental health professionals working for charity organisations. Visit the By Your Side service page for more information.
By Your Side will offer a mix of video consultations, telephone appointments, face to face assessment and treatment in perinatal hubs and home visits depending on the needs of the service user, as it is acknowledged that maternity units, and some clinical spaces, can be triggering for those who have experienced a loss.
At this stage, the service can only provide support to the person who was pregnant. If you are a loved one of the person who was pregnant, you can contact Therapy for You or we would encourage you to visit your GP. There are also many charities you can speak to. If you are in crisis, please call NHS 111 and select the option for mental health.
This topic can be triggering for many people who have experienced this type of loss. Alternative support services are highlighted on our website for those who are not eligible for help from By Your Side.