Improving Perinatal Mental Health

A team of mental health practitioners, women and children's health practitioners, commissioners and academics, working together to improve the identification of, services and support for parents with mental health issues before and after the birth of their child.

Lawrence Crayton: Unsplash

The Improving Perinatal Mental Health Health Integration Team (IMPROVE HIT) is a team of mental health practitioners, women and children’s health practitioners, commissioners and academics, working together to improve the identification of, services and support for parents with mental health issues before and after the birth of their child.

Improving the mental health of mothers and fathers during pregnancy and in the first postnatal year is a health priority, not only because it’s important for parents but it’s crucial for the health and wellbeing of the next generation. Despite being the focus of a NICE guideline and many reports, progress to improve the mental health and wider emotional well-being of parents remains limited.