Mothers under 25 years old (‘young mothers’) are more likely to experience mental health problems than older mothers, and they may need support with independent living skills. They may have limited access to the social support that is vital for parental and child wellbeing. Social issues including inadequate housing, lack of money, limited social connections, and loneliness may harm the mental wellbeing of young mothers.

Prevention and reduction of mental health problems during the perinatal period (covering pregnancy to one year post birth) is important, particularly as perinatal suicide rates are increasing. Perinatal mental health problems cost the UK around £8.1bn each year, mostly due to long-lasting impacts on children. Young mothers who have experienced trauma as children, including care experiences or abuse, are particularly at risk. However, overstretched services (including midwifery, health visiting and mental health support); reduced resources for early years provision (e.g. Sure Start); combined with ongoing pressures from the Covid-19 pandemic, have meant that many services have lost their preventive focus. A community-based approach to perinatal support and prevention which uses social prescribing or peer support could be a cost- effective approach to addressing social issues and preventing mental health problems. Research evidence suggests that these services can improve parents’ wellbeing, but there is a lack of evidence about what works specifically for young mothers.

This research was developed through public and patient involvement activities in an ongoing NIHR Three Schools Mental Health Fellowship, partnerships with young mothers and people working in services and policy organisations. The research aims to develop an understanding and explanation about how community-based services can best support the mental wellbeing of young mothers during the perinatal period through:

•           A rapid review of relevant existing literature

•           An evaluation of four community-based services using different models of support for young mothers Data collection will involve exploring what services currently exist; looking at the data they collect; observing their work; interviewing staff and interviewing 10 young women using each service three times over nine months.

Two advisory groups will guide the research, one for young mothers and one for other stakeholders. The research findings will be analysed by the research team and the advisory groups to develop ideas about what works, for whom, why and in what circumstances to improve young mothers’ wellbeing. We will produce:

•           Guidance for commissioners, services and professionals

•           Journal paper

•           An output decided by young mothers

These outputs will be shared in an online end-of-study event and through partner organisations and our wide networks.

This is timely and important research as young mothers’ mental health has worsened through the effects of austerity, the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.

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