Parents 1st UK: Essex services
We deliver perinatal peer support to parents across Essex, through 1-1 or group support. Our peer supporters work with expectant and new parents in their communities. They can be by their side through pregnancy, labour and birth, and after the baby is born. They build trusting peer relationships and help parents cope with the inevitable changes that becoming a parent brings. Peer support is particularly valuable to parents who feel lonely or isolated, suffer from mild to moderate mental health issues or are wary of health professionals.
Remote
In-person
Home visits
Further info
PLEASE NOTE: We are not a crisis service. If you are in crisis call 999 for an Ambulance, or NHS 111 (Option 2).
Parents 1st UK offer the following services:
- 1:1 Peer support. Peer support has a unique and valuable contribution to make to mothers, fathers, babies, families and communities. Informal support and reassurance from another (trained and supervised) parent who listens and builds trust, can make the difference of a lifetime. We will try to make contact with the expectant parent within 1 week of receiving a request form. Peer support may take place through face to face meetups, or via text, phone calls or video calls. To request 1:1 peer support: Complete our online referral form or give us a call: 01268 525 758.
- Workshops/ Group Support. We offer a range of antenatal information classes for mums, dads, birthing people and partners, pregnancy or postnatal fitness classes and first aid workshops. Most of our workshops and classes are run face to face in small groups however we also offer some online groups. Visit our website to find a group and book a place.
- Pregnancy in Mind online groups. Join our free, online mental health support group for parents-to-be who are between 12 and 26 weeks pregnant. Our Pregnancy in Mind (PiM) online groups are safe spaces where we support you with whatever emotions you're feeling during pregnancy. Book a place: https://parents1st.org.uk/pregnancy-in-mind
- Young Parents 1st UK offer free peer support to young people aged 20 and under across Essex. We can support you during pregnancy and up to 24 months after birth. Find out more: https://parents1st.org.uk/young-parents-1st-uk
- Stay-and-play drop in groups in Southend and Rayleigh. Join our friendly, informal drop-in groups where you can connect with other parents who truly understand the ups and downs of this stage of life. No booking required!
For further details visit our website: Parents 1st UK or call us on: 01268 525 758. Our office opening times are Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm.
Who can use this service?
Parents across Essex can access 1:1 peer support or join one of our groups/workshops during pregnancy or after birth.
How are services delivered?
1:1 Peer support may take place through face to face meetups, or via text, phone calls or video calls.
Workshops/ Group Support - Face to Face in small groups or online.
Pregnancy in Mind - this is a online group only
Young Parents 1st UK - Face to face, text/phone or video calls, individual or group support.
Stay-and-play drop in group in Southend and Rayleigh - Face to face
Locations