Perinatal Illness UK

PO Box 49769
London
WC1H 9WH

Tel: 01530 563 139
Web: www.pni-uk.com

Perinatal Illness UK is a not-for-profit charitable organisation which is dedicated to offering information, emotional support, and practical help to women and their families affected by any type of perinatal illness (antenatal and postnatal illness).

Their aim is to give information to enable women and families to make the right choices about the services and professional help offered to them. Their support and help is accessible to all families regardless of their social status, ethnicity, gender or sexuality.
Their aims are:

• To provide an independent charitable service to women and their families affected by the full spectrum of antenatal/postnatal illness & birth trauma.
• To offer a range of services to support those affected by perinatal illness. Those services include a home visit (locally), e-support, the website, telephone helpline, and a support group.
• To promote early detection, support and access to effective treatment by liaising with the Perinatal Mental Health Services.
• To raise awareness and change the public's perception about antenatal and postnatal mental health issues, which contribute to the fear mothers have about informing others of their illness.
• To reduce the stigma and ignorance about perinatal illness by taking part in any type of positive education and awareness by accessing the media for TV interviews, radio, newspaper articles, and internet site forums.
• To formally educate healthcare professionals and those who work with young families in any capacity, (for example SureStart) by providing study days and information regarding the latest research available in order to offer families the best possible treatment.
• To effectively campaign for the improved treatment of women and their families who are affected by perinatal illness in a purposeful and appropriate way.
• To establish Perinatal Illness UK policies and Handbooks in all hospital maternity units and community healthcare settings by promoting the organisation.
• To reassure mothers about their child's development after they have recovered from perinatal illness. To offer psychotherapeutic intervention, or to refer to the appropriate psychological services if required.
• To offer emotional support to partners/husbands and the extended family.
• To fund and encourage medical and psychological research to help develop methods in detection, treatment and care of women at risk of perinatal illness.
• To encourage the increase in numbers and the placements of Perinatal Mental Health Psychiatrists in all counties throughout the UK, so women can access the specialist care and treatment they require.