Supporting Families Through Perinatal Mental Health Challenges

DorPIP’s Vital Role in Supporting Families Through Perinatal Mental Health Challenges

Despite significant improvements in perinatal mental health services since the NHS Long Term Plan, many families continue to face challenges in accessing the support they need. While NHS services provide essential support for women up to one year postpartum, the availability and quality of care remain inconsistent, particularly in certain areas like Dorset.

We, the Dorset Parent Infant Partnership (DorPIP), are an organisation dedicated to strengthening parent-infant relationships through early intervention support. DorPIP’s role is especially important for families who may not qualify for specialist NHS services due to experiencing low to moderate perinatal mental health difficulties. Through specialist parent-infant psychotherapy, workforce development training, and community initiatives, DorPIP provides essential services to families who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

One of the core strengths of DorPIP’s approach is its focus on preventative care and early intervention. These proactive measures help families build strong parent-infant bonds, which are critical for healthy emotional development. DorPIP works in tandem with NHS services, filling in the gaps for families who need support before their challenges escalate into more severe mental health issues.

“The team's kindness, warmth, and reassurance meant so much to us as new mums. It’s incredibly comforting to be reminded that we’re doing a great job—motherhood is challenging but truly wonderful. The group understood this and provided such a supportive, encouraging space”

“Each week I could feel my bond with my baby grow and improve and it was a time a looked forward to spending with him and other mums.”

DorPIP’s commitment to providing accessible care has proven to be life-changing for many families. By ensuring that every parent has access to the support they need during such a vulnerable period, DorPIP contributes to healthier families and stronger communities.