Oldham’s Parent-Infant Mental Health Service team hosts His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester

Oldham’s Parent-Infant Mental Health Service (PIMHS) was recently visited by Diane Hawkins JP LLB, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

The team hosted the Lord-Lieutenant on Wednesday, June 24 at Best Start Family Hub — Spring Meadows, where she had the opportunity to learn more about how they support local families with their babies’ emotional wellbeing. 

During the visit, the Lord-Lieutenant, who is King Charles III’s representative in Greater Manchester, spoke to experts in the service and signed the Infant Pledge — a symbol of her commitment to championing infants’ rights.  

Oldham PIMHS, part of Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, works to understand and develop the relationship between parents and babies. The service supports families from pregnancy until their children are two years old through assessments, therapeutic work and groups.

They also offer training and consultations to professionals to boost awareness of infants’ mental health needs.   

PIMHS in Oldham was established in 2015 by clinical psychologist Dr Philippa Gardner; there was previously no mental health support for babies, or knowledge of infants even having mental health needs.

The team of ten, comprising clinical psychologists, specialist parent-infant health visitors, child psychotherapists, therapeutic social workers and a speech and language therapist, work in Best Start Family Hubs and families’ homes.   

Sarah Preedy, chief operating officer at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We were incredibly proud to welcome the Lord-Lieutenant. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the dedication of our teams and the compassionate, specialist support they provide to local families every day. This service plays a vital role in helping parents and babies build strong, healthy relationships from the very start, and it was wonderful to see that recognised.”  

His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins, said: "It was a pleasure to meet the team from the Parent-Infant Mental Health Service and hear about their work. By combining their expertise with kindness and empathy, they are providing life-changing support for families in Oldham and beyond."    

Families who are interested in support from PIMHS should speak to their midwife, Health Visitor, GP or social worker, as they can make a referral.  

To learn more about the Best Start Family Hubs, visit familyhubs.oldham.gov.uk