Help APP raise awareness of maternal mental health

Posted July 15th 2015

Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP), a charity focused on maternal mental health, has been nominated for the Best Health Project category of the 2015 National Lottery Awards. The winner will be selected by a public vote and we are calling on NCMH supporters to join us in backing APP to win by voting at http://bit.ly/voteforapp.

Postpartum psychosis is a serious condition affecting 1400 women in the UK each year. It is a devastating illness which presents rapidly in the days following childbirth and should always be treated as a medical emergency. Unfortunately, access to specialist perinatal psychiatry services varies enormously throughout the UK, with almost half of the country having no access to services at all.

The scarcity of Mother and Baby Units in the UK means that, for many women, admission to hospital is associated with separation from families and support networks by long distances.

APP works to increase awareness of postpartum psychosis, facilitate a peer support network for women and their families and advocate for improved services.

Professor Ian Jones, who is a trustee at APP said:

“I’m delighted that APP have been shortlisted for this prestigious award. It is well deserved recognition of their fantastic work in raising awareness of this devastating illness and supporting those affected by it. This is a excellent opportunity to bring maternal mental health into the public consciousness and highlight the need for improved services.”