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We work with mums experiencing severe mental health difficulties, who would otherwise be admitted to Jasmine Lodge, our mother and baby unit (MBU). If admission is required we also offer support during and up to three months following discharge from the MBU.
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How we can help
How we can help
Our team offers assessment and treatment of your mental health needs, whilst ensuring you continue the developing relationship of your baby.
We aim to ensure that both you and your baby get access to the care that you both need to avoid an admission to hospital. If you do require an admission to Jasmine Lodge, our mother and baby unit (MBU), you will be fully supported. Our team can help you and your family during your stay and for up to three months after your discharge, to support you in your recovery.
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How to get help
How to get help
Please speak to a healthcare professional who is currently working with you who can make a referral to our service. This may be your doctor, midwife, health visitor or a mental health practitioner. We are unable to accept self-referrals. We will respond to referrals within one working day and make contact with you to arrange an assessment if this is required.
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Jasmine Lodge Dryden Road
Exeter
EX2 5SN
Service hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm (excluding bank holidays). Outside these hours, referrals will be managed by the nurse in charge on Jasmine Lodge, on the same contact number.
01392 539 100
Referring to our service - for GPs and professionals
Our mother and baby unit (MBU) outreach service is suitable for:
- Mothers or expectant mothers who are experiencing severe mental health difficulties who are living in Devon, Cornwall or Somerset
- Women must be in the final trimester of their pregnancy (32+ weeks) or have a baby that is less than a year old
- Those who would benefit from an admission but can be safely supported in the community
- Young mothers under 18 who are experiencing severe mental health difficulties and are the primary carer of the baby may also be able to access the MBU outreach service.
Unfortunately, our service is not able to help:
- Perinatal women experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties who can access alternative services, like TALKWORKS, Devon's NHS talking therapies service
- Women who do not meet the threshold for a mother and baby unit level of care
- People with severe personality disorders, learning disabilities or substance misuse, unless they are also experiencing a severe or complex mental health illness
- Women who present a risk to their baby or those around them - an admission to an adult acute ward may be required.
For dads and co-parents
Dads and co-parents play an important role in their partner's recovery. We know that it can also be a difficult time for them and for their own wellbeing.
Remember as a new parent it is important that you look after your own physical and emotional wellbeing. When a family member who is either pregnant or has had a baby experiences a perinatal mental illness the whole family is affected.
Becoming a parent is often a stressful time. Non birthing partners often experience worries, pressures, and changes in relationships and quite a bit of sleep disturbances and changes in routine in the early weeks and months.
If your partner is involved with the perinatal service it will be important that you are part of their care with us. We would welcome a conversation with you about your own wellbeing and signposting you to other forms of support for you and your family. You may also find using the perinatal pathway questionnaire helpful.
TALKWORKS can also offer support for new and expectant dads and co-parents who are experiencing low mood, worry, stress or sleep difficulties.