Policy Brief launched with the National Children's Bureau

We are delighted to share that we have launched our policy brief.

Up to half of UK parents experience loneliness during pregnancy and the first two years after giving birth. Perinatal loneliness is a preventable driver of poor perinatal mental health, with significant costs for children, families and public services.

The National Children's Bureau, working with Dr Ruth Naughton-Doe. at the University of York, we've published a new briefing setting out the evidence and what government can do about it.

The briefing calls on the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Education to:

• Integrate the routine identification of loneliness and perinatal mental health needs into universal services as part of the Best Start in Life Strategy.
• Invest in early intervention through midwifery, health visiting, Family Hubs and the voluntary sector.
• Strengthen parental leave through the ongoing review, particularly for non-birthing parents.
• Expand inclusive support for fathers, LGBTQ+ parents, young parents, and parents facing language barriers.

Download the full policy brief here.