Reproductive, pregnancy or neonatal loss

• You are not currently concerned about your emotional wellbeing OR you are experiencing some mild symptoms but do not feel these are currently impacted on day-to-day life
• You would like to learn more about the support available

There are several national charities that can provide information, advice and support around reproductive, pregnancy or neonatal loss including Tommys, The Miscarriage Association and The Lullaby Trust.

You can also find information on local and national bereavement services in the HIVE Portsmouth directory.

• You have experienced a loss and would like to access bereavement support in the immediate period
• You have continued to experience feelings of loss and grief and associated difficulties such as low mood or anxiety 6 months or more after the loss
• You are currently pregnant and experiencing a mild – moderate anxiety related to previous reproductive, pregnancy or neonatal loss

Miscarriage Support Group

The support group is a place for anyone who has experienced baby loss or miscarriage and are looking for emotional support.

The monthly session offers a safe space for those who have been through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy or medical termination.

The group meets every 1st Wednesday of the month, 7-9pm, at Cosham Community Centre, 1 Wootton Street, Cosham, PO6 3AP.

If you have any queries about the group, please contact the early pregnancy unit on 023 9228 3290.

Bereavement Care

Bereavement Care is a free service designed to help and support people struggling to deal with bereavement. Support available includes one-to-one bereavement support, wellbeing groups, friendship groups and memorial services. For more information:

• Call 08081 691 922
• Email Bereavement Care
• Visit the Bereavement Care website

Firgrove Centre Southampton

The Firgrove Centre are a not-for-profit organisation who offer a compassionate and caring service and counselling for anyone over the age of 18 in the Southampton and surrounding area who is seeking help with the impact of miscarriage, stillbirth, neo-natal death or sudden infant death (SID), unintended pregnancy, issues surrounding a termination or infertility.

Find out more on the Firgrove Centre website.

Cedar Oaks Gosport

Cedar Oaks is a small counselling charity in Gosport offer support to those who have experienced the trauma and loss of a baby before, during or shortly after birth: miscarriage, medical termination, still birth, neonatal death.

Find out more on the Cedar Oaks website.

NHS Talking Therapies

Run by Solent NHS Trust, NHS Talking Therapies Portsmouth provides free support to anyone struggling with difficulties such as low mood or anxiety. They can provide a range of talking therapies to help you cope and feel better. Support can be offered both via groups and one-to-one, and includes a virtual postnatal support group.

You can self-refer by visiting NHS Talking Therapies Portsmouth.

• You are pregnant and experiencing high levels of anxiety which may be linked to previous difficult experiences such as previous loss
• You are a new parent experiencing high levels of anxiety and distress, flashbacks and nightmares relating to previous experiences of loss
• You are worried about your emotional wellbeing or mental health and are experiencing moderate – severe symptoms that are significantly impacting on your day – day life or relationships

Your GP

If you are worried about your mental health, then you can contact GP. They can discuss options for support and make referrals. Your GP can also prescribe medication and talk to you about any worries you may have about this.

Maternity Mental Health Service (during a subsequent pregnancy)

The maternity mental health service is a small specialist service providing access to psychological therapies the delivery of trauma informed care within maternity services and other settings.

They aim to support birthing parents who are experiencing a range of distress that may be related to your maternity, neonatal or reproductive journey. They work to support trauma, loss and fear around pregnancy.

You are currently not able to self- refer to the service, but your GP, midwife, health visitor can support you to access the service.

Community Mental Health Team

A2i offer holistic assessments to individuals with severe mental illness aged 18 and over. The team work closely with other mental health teams in the community, including GP surgeries and The Crisis Resolution Home Team (CRHT) to understand and assess your needs to help you recover

The support offered to patients is personalised based on their needs and symptoms. If longer term support is required, the patient can be referred to the Community Mental Health Team.

The team do not currently accept referrals. However, you can be referred by your GP, other professional or via the Portsmouth Mental Health Hub.

Portsmouth Mental Health Hub

If you are not sure about what support might be right for you and would like to speak to someone you can call the Portsmouth Mental Health Hub on 0300 123 6621 (Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm)

The phoneline is run by a team of friendly, fully trained call handlers who will connect you to the right support for you. This could be support over the phone, an appointment with other services such as NHS Talking Therapies or Positive Minds or an offer to connect you with other local organisations.

Anyone aged 16+ can call and get support for their mental health. You do not need to go through your GP to access this service.

• You are experiencing intense emotional distress that is difficult to bear
• You are experiencing thoughts and / or plans of violent self-harm and suicide
• You feel unable to keep yourself safe
• You are feeling hopeless for the future
• You or your family/friends have noticed changes to your behaviour and thoughts such as hallucinations, delusions or paranoia

If you need emergency medical help immediately, call 999.

If you need urgent help for something that’s not life-threatening, you can call 111. They have specialist nurses who can support both adults and young people with the mental health and connect you with local CRISIS services. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week and is from any phone. You can also visit NHS 111 online.

If you are currently under the Community Mental Health or Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Teams, you can call the CRISIS team direct on the number provided.

If you are worried about caring for your baby or child, you can call the Multiagency Safeguarding Hub on 023 9268 8793, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm or 0300 555 1372 out of hours.

If you need urgent help, are feeling unable to keep yourself or others safe, please call 999 immediately.