Mission Statement
PNI-UK is a not for profit charitable organisation which is dedicated to offering information, emotional support and practical help to women and their families affected by anxiety during pregnancy, postnatal illness, postnatal depression or birth trauma.
Our aim is to give information to enable women and families to make the right choices about the services and professional help offered to them. Our support and help is available to all families.
Our Aims are:
- To provide an independent charitable service to women and their families affected by anxiety during pregnancy, postnatal illness, postnatal depression or birth trauma.
- To offer a range of services to support those affected by PNI. Those services include a home visit, (locally) e-support, the Website, Telephone Helpline and a support group.
- To provide a professional service using group/one-to-one support and psychotherapy for women and their families, initially in Derbyshire and surrounding counties. Women and families from any area of the UK are welcome to access our services.
- To promote early detection, support and access to effective treatment by liaising with the Perinatal Mental Health Services.
- To raise awareness and change the public's perception about Antenatal and Postnatal mental health issues, which contribute to the fear mothers have about informing others of their illness.
- To reduce the stigma and ignorance about PNI by taking part in any type of positive education and awareness by accessing the media for TV interviews, radio, newspaper articles and internet site forums.
- To formally educate healthcare professionals and those who work with young families in any capacity, (e.g. SureStart) by providing study days and information regarding the latest research available in order to offer families the best possible treatment.
- To effectively campaign for the improved treatment of women and their families who are affected by PNI in a purposeful and appropriate way.
- To establish PNI-UK policies and Handbooks in all hospital Maternity Units and community healthcare settings by promoting our organisation.
- To reassure mothers about their child's development after they have recovered from PNI. To offer psychotherapeutic intervention, or to refer to the appropriate psychological services if required.
- To offer emotional support to partners/husbands and the extended family.
- To fund and encourage medical and psychological research to help develop methods in detection, treatment and care of women at risk of PNI.
- To encourage the increase in numbers and the placements of Perinatal Mental Health Psychiatrists in all counties throughout the UK, so women can access the specialist care and treatment they require.
