Frome Birth Talk provides a free and low-cost counselling service, as well as drop-in support groups for pregnant people and new parents, to promote good perinatal mental health, a positive start for the baby and resilient family relationships.
Why the community needs us
Our free and low-cost professional counselling service has been helping women in the Frome area since 2014. We have since opened up our service to everyone, so anyone who is pregnant or has had or lost a baby in the last two years can self-refer for six sessions of counselling when they feel the need. They are usually seen within a few weeks. NHS England estimates that up to 20 per cent of women experience depression, anxiety and low mood during this life stage, so Frome Birth Talk aims to raise awareness of this common experience and help women to overcome it and enjoy motherhood to the full.
Our impact on the community
Approximately 150 local people use our counselling service each year, but demand is constantly rising. We also provide two weekly drop-in groups each week - one for those who are pregnant or have a newborn and one for babies and toddlers that are on the move, as well as a monthly drop-in group for parents who have experienced baby loss. Feedback on our services tell us how vital they are 'I used the counselling service when I was pregnant and it was essential...without it, I would have felt alone, vulnerable and lost.'
