![\"\"](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2023\/06\/Indian-parents-slide-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"holding](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2022\/09\/holdinghands.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Fruit](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2022\/08\/fruit.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDirectories<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can look for local organisations and how to access their support in the following directories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Directory of perinatal mental health support in Lothian:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Third Sector Service Directory – Inspiring Scotland<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Directories of perinatal mental health support by locality:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Circle Scotland<\/a> is a registered charity working at the heart of communities across central Scotland. We currently deliver projects in Edinburgh, East & West Lothian. We work with families facing multiple disadvantages because of inequality, poverty, drug and alcohol use, imprisonment, physical or mental health, trauma, abuse, and loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the heart of Circle\u2019s approach are the relationships, based on trust, openness, and honesty that we build with families. Our model is rooted in a belief that families are best placed to provide their own solutions to the challenges they face. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How to access our services<\/strong>: the Circle Scotland website <\/a>gives direct phone numbers for each of the services in each area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Families can self-refer or we accept referral on their behalf from any other agency with the family agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact Children 1st for referral form and more information on 0131 446 2300<\/a> or email edinburghfst@children1st.org.uk<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n BLISS<\/a> supports parents of babies born premature or sick. We understand that the experience of being on a neonatal unit can be incredibly overwhelming and stressful. Our trained staff are here to listen to your concerns and help you find the information you need. We offer support at all stages of your journey via email or via video call and also in-person in some neonatal units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to access our services:<\/strong> You can email us at hello@bliss.org.uk<\/a> or for more information on setting up a video call or in-person support you can visit the emotional and practical support pages on our website.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Aberlour <\/a>Perinatal Befriending Support Lothian offers emotional support to families with babies born at 34 weeks or later who have received care from the Neonatal Unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. We are here to support parents during pregnancy and up to their child\u2019s first birthday. We can provide support in the hospital, community or at home depending on the family’s situation and preferences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We have been successfully running this service in East Lothian for a number of years and we are now expanding into other areas of Lothian including EH4, EH5 and EH6 areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We match parents with dedicated, trained volunteer befrienders to provide wellbeing support on a weekly basis. Support can be provided in-person, by phone or digitally. We also provide support to access community services and help increase social connections. In addition, our Perinatal Connections app offers a safe, facilitated space for new and expectant mothers to connect with each other and access information and resources whenever they wish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How to access our services<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Please contact Clare Cook, Service Manager, Aberlour Perinatal Befriending Service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Clare.Cook@aberlour.or.guk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 07385 006898<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n CrossReach<\/a> is a Perinatal Counselling Service. This means we see parents for counselling who are anxious, depressed and have other feelings in relation to having a baby both prenatally and postnatal. We have experienced perinatal counsellors and therapists. Our counsellors and therapist have all completed online training and so we are able to offer: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Along with counselling we offer Infant Massage by a practitioner trained with the International Association of Infant Massage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to access our services: <\/strong>As long as you are pregnant or have a child under 2 years of age you can self-refer to our service. To contact us, email perinatal.lothian@crossreach.org.uk<\/a> or call 01315387288<\/a>, or visit the CrossReach website at www.crossreach.org.uk<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Held in Our Hearts<\/a> are an Edinburgh based charity providing baby loss counselling and support to families who have suffered pregnancy loss or the death of a baby or young child. Our counsellors guide bereaved parents through the grieving process and our peer supporters give compassionate and flexible care in person, on zoom, by text or email and by telephone. Our peer supporters are all bereaved parents. Email info@heldinourhearts.org.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Website www.heldinourhearts.org.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Phone 0131 622 6263<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Sands<\/a>, the UK-wide baby loss charity, is determined to support anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby and carries out vital work to improve maternity safety through targeted research, campaigning for change, working with the government and reducing inequalities in healthcare to save babies\u2019 lives. For more than 40 years, Sands has been there for anyone affected by pregnancy and baby loss to offer understanding and comfort through its freephone helpline<\/a>, mobile app, online community<\/a> and resources, also available in a choice of languages and formats<\/a>. There are not any in-person support group in Lothian at the moment but support is available in many other ways<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Support for siblings is available.<\/a> This page aims to offer parents some helpful resources to begin conversations with siblings of all ages, as well a suggest activities for children to remember their baby brother or sister and express how they feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, further support and safe spaces have been created for specific groups such as men <\/a>and those from black and South Asian communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Facebook group for men.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Support for Black communities.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Support for South-Asian communities<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Juno Perinatal Mental Health Support<\/a>is based in Edinburgh and offer peer support groups for mums in the perinatal period (throughout pregnancy and until your baby is around 2 years old).<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to access our services:<\/strong> Please email Juno.enquiries@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Home-Start Edinburgh<\/a> is a volunteer-led family support service that provides emotional and practical support to families with a child under 5 – \u201cbecause childhood can\u2019t wait\u201d. We have a variety of groups including the Parents Early Education Partnership programme (PEEP), baby massage and play sessions, as well as a one-to-one home visiting service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to access our services:<\/strong> Families can contact us directly by phone on 0131 553 7819<\/a> or be referred by their GP or midwife.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Kin Collective | Edinburgh <\/a> welcome parents and families from anywhere in Edinburgh. In addition to our groups and activities at our Family Wellbeing Hub located in Leith, we offer peer support to help connect parents together and build a parenting community to improve confidence and reduce isolation. Our purpose is to improve mental health and wellbeing for parents from pregnancy into parenthood. We offer play sessions to promote parent-infant attachment, sling meets and we have lending kits, including cloth nappies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to access our services: <\/strong>We accept referrals from health professionals and third sector organisations along with self-referrals from parents who can contact us directly. Get in touch with us by emailing kincollectivecic@gmail.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Pregnancy Care and Counselling (Scotland)<\/a> is an Edinburgh-based charity supporting people with pregnancy-related challenges. This is done through two services: material aid through the baby bank and free professional counselling for those struggling with infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy or parenthood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to access our services:<\/strong> you can fill out a service request form online or you can be referred by a health professional. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n MCFB – Multi Cultural Family Base <\/a> offer support to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic families in the City of Edinburgh for vulnerable infants and young children up to the age of 3. We support parent-infant attachment through play, therapeutic relationship, and advocacy\/practical support when needed. The work can take place at home or within one of our supported Early Years groups, one of which is delivered in both Mandarin and English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to access our services:<\/strong> Families can contact us directly or be referred by health professionals or statutory and voluntary agencies. You can email us at hello@mcfb.org.uk<\/a> or phone us on 0131 467 7052<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Rainbow Families \u2013 LGBT Health and Wellbeing<\/a> offer a programme of events and social opportunities for LGBTQ+ people living in and travelling to Edinburgh. These events range from small workshops, classes and community discussions, to large social activities like roller discos, swimming parties and community celebrations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As part of this programme, we host events and activities for LGBTQ+ families, including new parents and those who are waiting for or expecting children. These events (and our whole programme) give LGBTQ+ people an opportunity to connect with their community, meet and make friends, build their social and support networks, grow their self-confidence and pride in who they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to access our services<\/strong>: You can follow us on facebook or visit the Rainbow Families website<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Dads Rock<\/a> offer one-to-one peer support for dads during pregnancy and after the birth. If you are experiencing anxiety or depression, having difficulty bonding with your baby, struggling with relationships or feeling isolated, you could get emotional support from one of our highly trained peer supporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to access our services:<\/strong> You can contact us on 07754 616254<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Home Link Family Support<\/a> offer a wide range of Early Years home visiting services that complement the offer of 1140 hours. Early Years Family Support Service<\/strong> Early Years Stay and Play Groups<\/strong> Moredun \u2013 Wednesdays from 11:00-12:30pm at Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre<\/p>\n\n\n\n Westerhailes- Fridays 10:00-11:30am at the library- PEEP<\/p>\n\n\n\n Granton- Wednesday’s 10:00-11:30am Granton Church<\/p>\n\n\n\n Antenatal Support Services<\/strong> Family Volunteer Service<\/strong> How to access our services?<\/strong> Stepping Stones North Edinburgh<\/a>is an organisation that supports the wellbeing of families from pregnancy through to the primary school years. Bump Start is our service which specifically supports pregnant women, birthing people and their families, offering both one-to-one support and group work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to access our services:<\/strong> Call us on 0131 551 1632<\/a> or email us –info@steppingstonesnorthedinburgh.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Women Supporting Women<\/strong> ( Pilton Community Health Project) <\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n We believe in equality, wellbeing and belonging for all in our communities. We offer a variety of activities ranging from chat caf\u00e9, knitting group, outdoor play, gardening, cooking and eating together. Our main aim for all of our work is to build confidence and reduce isolation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Our mission is to support and enable local people to improve their own health and create a healthy community and environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most of our community keep connected with what we\u2019re up to via our Facebook page: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PiltonCommunityHealthProject\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n How to access our services:<\/strong> Women can be signposted to us or can self-refer and they can drop in to most groups (although they do need to register for some activities). <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can email us at hello@pchp.org.uk<\/a> or phone 0131 551 1671<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Please note<\/strong>: our funding dictates that we offer support to women within strict boundaries of North small which is \n
Across Edinburgh and the Lothians<\/h2>
Circle Scotland<\/h3>
![\"Circle\"](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/12\/Circle.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBLISS<\/h3>
![\"BLISS\"](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/12\/BLISS.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAberlour Perinatal Befriending Support Lothian<\/h3>
![\"Aberlour\"](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/12\/Aberlour.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCrossReach<\/h3>
![\"CrossReach](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/12\/CrossReach-CMYK-large.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Held in Our Hearts<\/h3>
![\"Held](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/12\/Held-in-our-Hearts.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Our aim is to offer the best possible individualised support to families at all times. Families can self-refer or someone can refer on their behalf and our specialist and bespoke pregnancy and baby loss counselling is free and available for up to 18 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSANDS<\/h3>
![\"Sands\"](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/12\/Sands.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIn the City of Edinburgh<\/h2>
Juno Perinatal Mental Health Support<\/h3>
![\"JunoLogo\"](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/12\/JunoLogo.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHome-Start Edinburgh<\/h3>
![\"home](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/12\/home-start.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nKin Collective Edinburgh<\/h3>
![\"Kin](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/12\/Kin-Collective.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nPregnancy Care and Counselling<\/h3>
![\"PC&C+Scotland+Logo\"](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/12\/PCCScotlandLogo.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMCFB – Multi Cultural Family Base<\/h3>
![\"MCFB](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/12\/MCFB-logo.jpg\"){kind=logo}
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nRainbow Families – LGBT Health and Wellbeing<\/h3>
![\"Rainbow](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/12\/Rainbow-Families.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDads Rock<\/h3>
![\"Dads](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/12\/Dads-Rock.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHome Link Family Support<\/h3>
![\"hlfs](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/12\/hlfs-2023.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who is it for?
Families in Edinburgh with children under 5, experiencing some form of difficulty.
What do we offer?
We offer support to families who may need a bit more guidance with regards to family routines, early learning, family relationships, play and emotional well-being. We can also help you to access local groups or put you in touch with other support services within your community.
What to expect?
Regular home visiting from a family support worker, for up to a year.
Support tailored to the family\u2019s needs and personalised goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We offer groups in the following areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Call the office for more information 0131 661 0890<\/a>
Parents can drop in with their children under 5 for free play, arts and crafts, signing, stories
and toys. Tea and coffee and children\u2019s snacks provided.
No need to book and no cost to attend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who is it for?
Expectant families or families who have had a baby in the last 8 weeks who could benefit from some extra support. Families can refer themselves or can be referred by any professionals working with them eg: midwives, Health Visitors, Social Workers, Early Years Workers, GP\u2019s and so on.
What do we offer?
We will work with you to make a plan to build on strengths and identify areas where support would help. This might include building confidence in parenting or to go out and about in your community, accessing other supports around housing or benefits issues, or helping you to attend appointments or meetings. We can work with the whole family or just
one parent, whatever the family identifies as a need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who is it for?
Anyone in South Edinburgh who has at least one child under 5, or expecting a baby. We can provide a friendly non-judgemental person to help you at home for a couple of hours a week.
What to expect?
A Co-ordinator will visit you first to explain our service and ask you about the kind of help you need. When you are matched with a Volunteer, they will usually visit you at home once a week for a couple of hours, for up to 6 months to 1 year. You can decide what you want the Volunteer to help you with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Call: General enquiries 0131 661 0890<\/a>
Email: info@homelinkfamilysupport.org<\/a>
Referral forms are available on our website<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nNorth Edinburgh – Stepping Stones North Edinburgh<\/h3>
![\"stepping](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/12\/stepping-stones-north-edinburgh.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nNorth Edinburgh – Women Supporting Women<\/h3>
![\"WhW\"](\"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/maternity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/12\/WhW.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n