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>This is from a bulletin by MHIP:-

The NHS NW Perinatal and Infant Mental Health (PIMH) Project Steering Group and the Expert Reference Group have now met. In accordance with the project objectives some stakeholder events are now being planned. First to take place will be two Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Care Pathway Development workshops which will be held on Thursday 16th September in Preston and again on Wednesday 10th November in Warrington. The aim is to capture the current high level of activity in developing pathways. Some areas already have a Perinatal and Infant Mental Health pathway in use, others are in the process of developing theirs and others would like to start a pathway. The workshops will provide the opportunity to share practice and ideas and contribute to the overarching North West Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Care Pathway, prior to consultation.

So that we can take a snapshot of commissioning activity across the region a brief survey will be sent out at the end of August to Commissioners across PCTs, and Local Authorities. In addition, a small group of Commissioners will be asked to work with the PIMH Project Lead to develop commissioning guidance that will be published at the end of the project.

In line with improving capacity and capability in the PIMH workforce, a review of existing national and more local specialist, targeted and universal training packages is being carried out. This will enable the development of a menu of recommended evidence based approaches.

You may have lived experience of Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Services and want to know more about the project or get involved in that aspect of work, or have a commissioning role in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health and would like to be involved in developing the commissioning guidance, if so please contact Anne Sheppard on anne.sheppard@northwest.nhs.uk

If you would like to attend one of the two Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Care Pathway Development workshops please register an interest with antonia.osborne@northwest.nhs.uk .

Elaine Hanzak

www.hanzak.com