More funding to help parents and infants at risk

Families across Scotland will benefit from a £1 million investment in charities specialising in mental health and wellbeing support in pregnancy and early years.

The support – provided by the Scottish Government’s Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Fund – will go to 34 charities that help new families take their first steps in raising babies and young children.

It has been estimated that up to 20% of mums and up to 10% of dads are affected by poor mental health in the perinatal period. Between 10-22% of babies and young children also experience mental health difficulties.

The Fund enables organisations to provide one-to-one and group based support and care that parents, carers and new babies need. Over 7,000 parents, expectant parents and infants have been supported by the funded organisations.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart announced extension of the existing Fund for another year from April 2023 to March 2024 at the current level of funding, over £1 million across the 12 months.

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