A SUPPORT service helping new mums in Barnsley is set to have its contract extended.
The £50,000-a-year project, funded by the Central Area Council, is a perinatal service – a term which is used for a time which spans from pregnancy to a child’s first birthday – and is run by Family Lives.
The service, which launched in April, is currently running on a rolling contract and helps mums in Kingstone, Central, Stairfoot, Worsbrough and Dodworth wards who may be suffering from post-natal depression or isolation in order to boost their emotional wellbeing.
A report, which will be discussed on Monday, said: “During the first year of the contract, Family Lives have delivered a well-managed service. Two comprehensive monitoring reports have been submitted and regular contract management meetings have taken place.
“Flyers have been placed on the midwifery records of all pregnant women living in the Central area to generate referrals by prompting discussions with mums during appointments.
“Family Lives have also agreed to receive referrals over the telephone and these are regularly sought out from midwives, with three referrals received over the telephone in December 2019 alone.
“Given the information and the continued drive to generate referrals by all those involved, it is recommended that the contract with Family Lives is extended for the 12-month period from April 1 2020 to March 31 2021.”
