MP Tim fights to secure Post Natal care service in South Lakes

Local MP Tim Farron is calling on Cumbria Primary Care Trust (PCT) to continue funding a crucial service supporting over a hundred local mothers. The work is under of threat of closure early next year unless vital funding can be found, and seven specialist staff will be made redundant.

Post Natal Wellbeing is a local charity working out of Stricklandgate House supporting women and their families suffering from the effects of post natal illness. Post Natal Wellbeing aim to reduce the severity and duration of their illness by offering a range of free services tailored to their needs including drop-in centres, outreach groups, respite care, play facilities, home visits, counselling, telephone helpline, provision of information and liaison with health professionals.

Last year charities running the local children's centres helped save Post Natal Wellbeing at the eleventh hour and offered funding for a year while a long term funding solution was found.

Tim says, "The only sustainable way forward is for the PCT and children's centres to jointly fund this essential work. Last year I worked closely with local parents who came to see me in distress after they heard that the charity's funding was running out and asked what I could do. With the support of Barnados and others we were able to save this vital charity for a year. Now I believe it is time that the PCT work in partnership with our local children's centres to secure the long term future of this vital organisation.

"Having a child is an enormous blessing but it can also be an extremely difficult and stressful time - new mums need all the help they can get."