My Blog

As you know, I was very ill after my pregnancy with Dominic and now spend my time speaking about my experiences to an increasing range of audiences, following the publication of my book ‘Eyes without Sparkle – a journey through postnatal illness’.
Part of my aim is to reduce the stigma around mental illness and offer hope but also I campaign for better services and facilities for those affected by this awful illness.

The web-based forum www.pni.org.uk , of which I am patron, has put together a petition for Downing Street – if we get 200+ signatures it will be read by Gordon Brown. Let’s see if we can smash this target and get a real call for action!

Currently services in the UK provided by the NHS are not up to the guidelines submitted by NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence), putting lives at risk and prolonging the suffering of many.

www.pni.org.uk are asking that the following basic principals should be put in place to help women and their families who are deeply affected by Post Natal Illness to recover swiftly and fully:
* A dedicated Health Visitor from each area in the UK to follow up any referrals from GP
* Support groups on an informal basis to take the pressure off mums who may be suffering confidence with the opportunity to incorporate a buddy system.
* Funds made for community groups to be set up with the support of a Health Visitor/Community Psychiatric Nurse or other trained professional.
* Faster follow up counselling than is currently available.
* Shorter waiting lists for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and other therapies
* A specifically trained individual on Post Natal Illness to operate in each Primary Care Trust.
* Correspondence for all mums with a Health Visitor until the child reaches the age of 5.
* More funding for charities supporting women and their families suffering Post Natal Illness
* Dedicated support for the father and families affected by the mother suffering Post Natal Illness.
Please take a few minutes to click on http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Post-Natal and sign up to petition the Prime Minister to arrange for more and a higher standard of services for women and their families affected by post natal illness.

With thanks and love,

Elaine

www.hanzak.com

‘Making a difference for Families’