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Impact report: Learnings from four years of the Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Fund

Today (30 April 2025), the Perinatal and Infant Mental Health (PIMH) fund team published a report sharing insights from four years of managing funding to support parents’ and infants’ mental health and wellbeing across Scotland. 

Inspiring Scotland managed £3.8 million of Scottish Government funding through the PIMH Fund between October 2020 and September 2024. This funding enabled 34 charities across Scotland to deliver community-based, non-stigmatising, and relationship-led support to over 16,000 people, including more than 6,000 babies and children.

The PIMH fund focused on support during the critical period from pregnancy to age three – a time of increased pressure on mental health, and when early intervention to nurture the relationship between babies and caregivers can lay the foundation for healthy development that leads to positive adult lives.  

Funded support significantly reduced isolation, enhanced parents’ ability to meet their children’s needs, and gave them the skills and space to build a secure and stronger connection with their babies. 

One parent supported through the fund shared: 

“Before this group, I didn’t have any support networks in my family. This group has now become my support network.” 

Kaylie Allen, Director of Funds at Inspiring Scotland, said: 

“We were delighted to partner with the Scottish Government to deliver the PIMH Fund, and support organisations making a significant impact for families. We are committed to improving the life chances of babies, children, and young people, and we know that investment during this critical period is essential. The report highlights delivery and impact over the last four years, but also how groups adapted to unprecedented challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, and responded to increased demand and severity of mental health issues among families.  

“The multi-year funding commitment enabled us to work closely with the PIMH portfolio and co-produce guidance on peer support delivery, reduce stigma, and share best practices through national events. The programme’s success demonstrates the third sector’s unique ability to build trusted relationships and support families at this critical stage of life.” 

Looking ahead, the PIMH Fund continues with a new portfolio of 16 charities receiving an 18-month funding commitment of £1.5 million from October 2024. Funding continues to provide essential healthcare, baby-friendly spaces, and support for parents and caregivers. 

We know that organisations delivering this work face increased pressures, including rising demand and the complexity of support required, alongside financial pressures for families and organisations.  

We will publish an Insights Report later this year after our recent national survey on the current funding and referral landscape for PIMH third-sector services. This report includes input from organisations delivering PIMH third-sector services in Scotland and statutory and health services that refer families to them.  

We would like to thank all staff and volunteers who work tirelessly across Scotland’s third sector, ensuring families and babies get the best start in life. Their work will be felt for decades, making Scotland a better place to grow up. 

Read the full report here.