THE Princess of Wales visited Colham Manor Children’s Centre in Hillingdon today (9).
She was there to see how Hillingdon Council and the Hillingdon Perinatal Mental Health (PNMH) team support women through their pregnancies and early motherhood.
In her first official visit as royal patron of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, the Princess heard how the organisations work collaboratively to make a life-changing impact on Hillingdon women and their families affected by perinatal mental health issues.
The Princess joined a mother and baby group and spoke to women about their experiences with pregnancy and mental illness.
She joined a round-table discussion with delegates from Hillingdon’s children’s centres, Hillingdon PNMH, midwifery, health visiting, Talking Therapies, Birth Companions and HomeStart to hear how the services work together so well.
Hillingdon Council network of children’s centres, which support families and carers in their immediate areas through midwifery care, health visitor reviews, wellbeing and therapy sessions, parent support and child development.
Cllr Susan O’Brien, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “One in five women experience mental health problems during the perinatal period, and it’s vital they receive treatment and support as early as possible.”
Saher Hussain, a mum from Ruislip, said: "It was wonderful meeting the Princess. We had a great opportunity to discuss the importance of the children's centres. They have had such a positive impact on me and my relationship with my baby.”
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/childrenscentres
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