For many of the younger children this was their first time visiting the seaside.
As the cool morning shifted toward blazing heat at Saltburn’s seafront, the parents from Family Action’s perinatal service in South Tees arrived in small groups. For many the day out marked the culmination of a difficult journey that began after the birth of their children.
Mum Nicole said: “It means a lot to us to be here today, and the service is so good for mothers in general, it makes a huge difference to their mental health and confidence.”
Postnatal depression happens more than you think, and the service helps people get over a difficult time, by coming to see you every week.
Family Action’s Summer Fund
The day trip was made possible by the Family Action Summer Fund.
Staff had thoughtfully pre-prepared wind breakers and blankets to create a shared space, with children’s toys and a story session by the Literacy Trust, who handed out free books to the children.
More than just mums
It’s a community that extends beyond mothers, as the service helps both parents where needed and there were plenty of Dads at the beach. Emma, another mum at the event, said: “My daughter loves her dad and when he took five minutes to go down the water’s edge she was trying to scoot down the beach on her bottom and calling for him… They have such a good bond!”
Some of the older children were even more determined to reach the water, as mum Sarah explained: “Last year she didn’t want to even go on the beach… but this year I’ve had to chase her up and down as she’s trying to run into the water!”
Always there for me
Everyone we spoke to said that it was valuable to have a break and be around other families. Mum Patricia said: “It’s nice to spend time as a family and do things together, as it’s not something we get the chance to do all the time, and It’s also nice to feel included.
The service has been really helpful for me, giving us clothes and coming to take me out for a break when I need it. Family Action are always there for me.
