How we can help you
Telephone Helpline
07944 900499 - operates between 9am and 6pm. This service offers a very valuable temporary solution for distressed mums or their carers until they can attend a local PNSS in their area. Our team of trained listeners are ready to listen, support and help signpost you to relevant agencies e.g. GP's, Health Visitors in the case of emergencies.
Weekly postnatal support sessions
We offer weekly drop in Postnatal support sessions on Thursday mornings between 10.00am and 12.00 noon at St.Johns Church in Walmley, Sutton Coldfield and on Monday mornings between 10.00am and 12.00 noon at Christ the King Church in Kingstanding, Birmingham. This one to one service offers a listening ear with a trained befriender encouraging emotional offloading within the strictest of confidential boundaries. Families are offered a minimum of six weekly support sessions. Mothers with a diagnosis of postnatal depression often require a little longer, extending the support to between 12 and 18 weeks. Whilst you are attending the session, we also offer a free onsite Crèche and pamper service.
Acacia Dads
Acacia Dads is a free support service for dads and other family members who feel they may need some extra help and support after the birth of a child or help in finding ways to support their partner who may be experiencing Postnatal depression.
You can call our Acacia Dad's Project Coordinator on 07928 486144 or email acaciadads@acacia.org.uk. Our team of befrienders offer a flexible support service that aims to fit in with family life. Meetings can be arranged during evenings and/or weekends.
Alternatively you may wish to attend one of our regular drop in support sessions with a wife or partner. These are located across Birmingham, please call for further information.
For more details on how Acacia Dads can help you, click here
Dad hit by baby blues
"I felt very stressed and physically unwell and fearful of what was going to happen. I just couldn't see any prospect of this turning around." read Mike's story.....
Crèche
Babies and pre school children that attend Acacia Postnatal support sessions are offered a place in our Crèche, a warm, safe and loving environment staffed by a qualified and experienced team of dedicated ladies. All staff are CRB checked.
Pamper Service
Mums that attend our Postnatal support sessions are able to access relaxing aromatherapy treatments from a qualified aromatherapist/massage therapist.
Baby Massage classes
Acacia deliver baby massage classes to mothers who wish to develop stronger bonds and strengthen baby communication as well as relaxation. This service is strongly recommended when the mother has had a particularly difficult pregnancy or the depression has been so overwhelming that it has affected the relationship between mother and baby. (Baby Massage classes are currently only available at St.Johns Church, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield.)
Family Fun sessions
During the School holidays we offer a programme of Family Fun sessions - Our aim is to enhance family well being by providing events that encourage parent and child to have fun together. We open these fun sessions to our local community and also welcome family and friends of our previous service users to attend.
Please check our News and Current events page for further info on forthcoming sessions.
Resource library
We offer literature and reading materials about Postnatal depression at our weekly support sessions.
Awareness raising
We will offer as much support as we are able to people and organisations who are seeking to raise awareness of Pre and Postnatal depression.
FAQs
How do I know if I'm suffering from Pre or Postnatal depression?
I can't wait I'm desperate, who can I talk to?
How do I access the Postnatal Support sessions?
What happens to my baby when I attend sessions?
How long will it take before I'm better, will I ever feel like my old self again?
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