MEDWAY PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH AND PARENT-INFANT RELATIONSHIP STRATEGY AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PRO...

1.1 Medway Council is one of 75 eligible Local Authorities taking part in the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme in England https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/family-hubs-and-start-for-life-programme
1.2 The Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme is currently running until the end of March 2025. The funding which has been provided as part of the programme must be utilised before this date.
1.3 There are specific requirements and timelines for delivering against aspects of the programme as set out in the Family Hubs and Start for Life framework and service expectations https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/family-hubs-and-start-for-life-programme-local-authority-guide.
1.4 The Local Authority is responsible for using the Family Hubs and Start for Life funding to improve provision of support for mild-to-moderate perinatal mental heath and parent-infant relationships. Moderate-to-severe (specialist) provision falls under the remit of Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board.
1.5 The Programme Guide (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62f0ef83e90e07142da01845/Family_Hubs_and_Start_for_Life_programme_guide.pdf) sets out an expectation for local areas to “establish a local perinatal and parent–infant mental health strategy (with sustainable plans beyond the funding period), to support strategic planning / delivery and joined-up working across the whole system”
1.6 A robust governance structure has already been established for PMH & PIR in Medway with commissioners and service leads meeting regularly to guide system improvements. However, a strategy has not yet been produced.
1.7 A number of services and interventions have already been commissioned using the funding provided. These include a PMH & PIR service with Family Action, baby massage training, singing therapy, a mental health web app, a mindful parenting programme and additional staff in maternity and health visiting teams. PIR training has not yet been fully commissioned and it is recognised that there is a need for development in this area.
1.8 As part of the Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme, a Parent-Carer Panel has been set up to encourage co-design and co-production of services. However, for PMH & PIR there is a need to engage more widely with seldom heard voices and research both the efficacy of current provision and how gaps can be best filled taking into account the diverse needs of Medway’s population.