News

Perinatal and Infant Mental Health fund open for applications

A fund to support perinatal infant mental health and parents is open for applications from third sector organisations and services.  

Following on from work the Scottish Government’s previous Perinatal and Infant Mental Health fund, the new phase is open to third sector organisations who support babies, parents and carers affected by, or at risk, of perinatal and infant mental health issues in Scotland.  

From today, organisations can apply for funding of up to £132,000 for the duration of the 18-month fund across the two financial years. Applications close Friday 3rd May at 12pm. 

Kaylie Allen, Director of Funds at Inspiring Scotland said, “We are pleased to be managing the application process for the next 18 months of Scottish Government Perinatal and Infant Mental Health funding.  

“We know from the last three years of managing the fund the extraordinary impact community-based peer, parenting and infant focussed support can make for babies, parents, and families. It is so important that we focus on the early years to give all children the best start in life.” 

Research shows that an infant’s physical, cognitive and emotional development are essential in giving them the best start in life with more than one million new connections being formed every second in a baby’s growing brain. It is therefore a vital time for the whole family as mental ill health in the perinatal period has an impact on both mothers and fathers, with up to 20% of mothers and up to 10% of fathers affected at this crucial stage of life. 

This funding will prioritise direct service delivery in the areas of peer support, parenting / infant support and counselling / psychological support. These areas of practice have shown to be effective through this fund to date and were highlighted as having the best evidence of effective third sector delivery in the Maternal Mental Health Research Briefing.?? 

Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said, “It is very important that all mothers and their families have access to good mental healthcare throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period.

“The third sector provides vital access to perinatal mental health support, and we are dedicated to supporting them to do so.

“This latest round of funding of up to £1.5 million, building on previous awards of over £2.8 million over four years, is designed to increase the provision of parenting and infant support, peer support and counselling or psychological support. The Fund will enable organisations to provide the services that women and their families need.”

To find out more or apply, visit the Perinatal and Infant Mental Health 2024 Fund page.