Suffolk Libraries perinatal service relaunches one-to-one support sessions
Suffolk Libraries, the charity that runs the library service in Suffolk, has relaunched its one-to-one listening service as part of the Me, Myself and Baby perinatal programme.
Me, Myself and Baby is a support service aimed at pregnant women and new parents and is run by Suffolk Libraries in partnership with Suffolk Mind, Children’s Centres and the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.
The one-to-one support offers a safe space for parents to talk to someone about their wellbeing and any difficulties they may be experiencing. As well as offering a listening ear, the service provides light, friendly advice and signposting where necessary. These conversations can take place through email, over the phone or on a video call, depending on what is most comfortable for the service user. They can also be referred to free counselling sessions run by Suffolk Mind.
One user who has benefitted from the one-to-one support in the past, said:
“Your email has really made me feel heard - it's nice to have someone (other than my husband) acknowledge and empathise with how I'm feeling!”
Nardyne Gilardoni, Perinatal Coordinator for Suffolk Libraries, said:
“We’re thrilled to be relaunching our one-to-one support service, giving parents a personal space where they can feel safe and be listened to. What we offer is like having a friend on the phone or over email that can just listen to what you’re going through, provide light advice and help you find ways to support your wellbeing.”
The service can be accessed by emailing the Me, Myself and Baby service. Service users would then set up pre-planned dates in advance to talk over six sessions weekly or fortnightly, so you always have that date in the diary to talk to someone.
Suffolk Libraries has also relaunched its online parent and baby coffee mornings. The Parent and Baby coffee mornings are online drop-ins that take place through Zoom on a bi-weekly basis. The link is provided by contacting the Me, Myself and Baby service directly. They take place every other Monday from 9.30am to 11am. The drop-ins are available to parents of young children or anyone expecting a baby and are a chance for parents to socialise and find support for their wellbeing.
The Perinatal Coordinator will also be present to help parents find further support and can refer anyone who is struggling for six sessions of free counselling provided by Suffolk Mind. Some libraries have also introduced new Stay and Play sessions now too.
When the service first launched in 2020, it was available for any new or expecting parents in the East Suffolk and Ipswich areas. It has since expanded to cover West Suffolk and Waveney as well.
If you could benefit from this support, contact the Me, Myself and Baby service at memyselfandbaby@suffolklibraries.co.uk.
For full details of how to access Me, Myself and Baby and for a full list of physical and online activities visit suffolklibraries.co.uk/baby