Introduce
The Perinatal and Parent-Infant Mental Health (PIMH) integrated pathway in Greater Manchester is a comprehensive, whole-system approach designed to support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of expectant and new parents, as well as their infants. This pathway emphasises the importance of early intervention to support the parent/infant relationship during this critical 1,001 days.
The image below illustrates the multi-agency support available in this period:
Recognising difficulties in the parent-infant relationship and knowing how to seek specialist support are crucial for promoting healthy child development.
Each GM authority has a Parent and Infant Relationship service available for referral if parents or professionals have concerns about the developing bond with their baby. The GM PAIRS teams also offer consultations to the early years and perinatal workforce, providing support for considering the parent-infant relationship or prioritising the infant’s voice. For information on your local PAIRS team, visit the following link:
Map of teams and services – Parent-Infant Foundation
Develop
The following video highlights a range of needs experienced by families who may benefit from support provided by the Greater Manchester Perinatal and Parent-Infant Mental Health Services.
Reflect
Stop and Reflect:
– What do you understand about the purpose and structure of the perinatal and parent-infant mental health integrated care pathways in your area?
– How do you currently work with other practitioners (e.g health visitors, midwives, mental health teams, social workers) to support families during this period?
– How confident do you feel in identifying when a parent or infant may benefit from further support?
Optional
This comprehensive document outlines the region’s pioneering efforts to integrate key services, including specialist perinatal mental health, parent-infant mental health, and peer support, into a whole-system approach. It serves as a vital guide for professionals and stakeholders, providing strategies to enhance collaboration, improve outcomes for families, and address inequalities in early years development across Greater Manchester.