South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS trust are dedicated to supporting the mental health of you and your family both before and after pregnancy. If you require an emergency response or urgent mental health support please use the following:
· For emergency help please call 999.
· For urgent mental health support call the Crisis Team on 0800 652 2867 or text 07889 036 280 if you have communication difficulties.
South Tyneside and Sunderland Maternity Mental Health Services
Pregnancy can be a challenging time with many emotions. We also know that difficult experiences can sometimes arise during pregnancy and birth. Please reach out to people close to you, but sometimes it is easier to talk to someone outside of your family. There are services within the hospital setting in Sunderland and South Tyneside offering information and support.
There are four services available in the Sunderland and South Tyneside Maternity Mental Health Service (1) the Obstetric Mental Health Antenatal Clinic, (2) Maternal Mental Health Services (3) Birth Reflections Service, and (4) Forever Cherished Bereavement Support. All of these services offer planned appointments for mental support in an emergency please call 999
Obstetric Mental Health Antenatal Clinic
This includes a mixed team of doctors and specialist mental health midwives. The clinic supports people with pre-existing mental health difficulties or those that are newly arising in pregnancy. A referral to this clinic can made by a community midwife following assessment.
Maternal Mental Health Service
A small team of psychologists and one midwife who specialise in supporting people with mental health difficulties.
The team supports women and birthing people with difficulties related to Trauma, Loss, and/or Fear during their maternity experience. The service hopes to offer support throughout all aspects of maternity care from pregnancy planning, during pregnancy, and up to 12 months after birth.
Please see the website below or telephone – 0191 569 9698 ext. 4969
Birth Reflections
An opportunity to discuss your birth experience with a midwife. The midwife will review your notes prior to the session and answer any queries you may have.
Forever Cherished Bereavement Support
The Bereavement Team is responsible for offering immediate and long-term emotional support, information and practical guidance to those who:
· Experience loss in pregnancy from 14 weeks onwards or in the new born period
· Support during a subsequent pregnancy which can be an anxious time
· Onward referral to Maternal Mental Health Service if required
Mini Minds and Me
Are you a new Mam with a child under 1 and struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety or stress? NHS Sunderland Talking Therapies offer a psychoeducational class targeted towards improving emotional wellbeing during the perinatal period. The service is effective, confidential and free. Please find more information at on the Sunderland Talking Therapies website below.