A programme which offers vital one-to-one support to young, first-time mothers as they make the transition to parenthood is now able to care for even more Norfolk families.

The Family Nurse Partnership (FNP), run by Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C), can now offer tailored support to around 200 families across the county, up from around 150, following the appointment of two additional nurses. The expansion of the service comes following a successful independent review carried out by commissioners and the national FNP unit earlier this year.

The FNP is available to first time mothers who are aged 19 or below when they become pregnant. A family nurse will work with them from as early in their pregnancy as possible through to their child’s second birthday, with the aim of improving pregnancy outcomes, child health and promoting financial self-sufficiency.

The service in Norfolk was launched in January 2010 in response to high teenage pregnancy rates across the county. The most recent additions to the team started during the past few weeks and take the total number of nurses to eight.

The team aims to develop a therapeutic relationship with mums and dads during a series of regular home visits so that they can offer help with a wide range of issues. This includes staying healthy during pregnancy and beyond, their home and their relationships with their child, partner and wider family, understanding their child’s development, making links with their local community and supporting them to reach their long term goals.

The nurses can also help the young parents to access other services which meet their individual needs, such as help to stop smoking.

Michelle Ackroyd, Family Nurse Partnership Supervisor with NCH&C, said: “The Family Nurse Partnership programme has already made a huge difference to hundreds of young parents and their babies across the county, so we are delighted that we are now able to expand it still further.

“Our team aims to give children the best possible start in life while also offering vital help and support to parents to improve their health and wellbeing. We try to reach the mums-to-be as early in pregnancy as possible as we are able to do a lot of work with them before their baby arrives, such as preparation for parenthood and work on their hopes, dreams and wishes.

“As young parents, our clients face particular challenges, so find the relationship they have with their nurse invaluable. By listening carefully and relating to the client’s individual needs, our nurses are able to help them make positive changes, address any concerns they may have, set life goals for themselves and develop a close bond with their new baby.”

The FNP has bases in King’s Lynn, Wymondham and Norwich, and covers the whole of the county, with the exception of the Great Yarmouth area which has its own FNP team. Outside of their usual visits, the nurses are also available to offer additional support, and can visit more often if the family is going through a time of crisis.

“The mums we work with really value the fact they see the same nurse all the time,” added Michelle. “Our aim is to reassure and build confidence and self esteem while encouraging them to trust and believe in the nurse.

“This makes them more likely to seek help from other professionals and sources of support, such as children’s centres, which can have a huge long-term impact on quality of life and help them to a brighter future.”

The FNP team will shortly hold a Christmas arts and crafts event in west Norfolk for their clients. The event, which is by invitation only, will be held on December 6 and will be a chance for families who receive support from the FNP team to come together and get creative. The children will be able to create some festive baubles and decorations, which they can later hang on their Christmas trees.

For more information on the FNP, visit www.norfolkcommunityhealthandcare.nhs.uk. Anyone who is 19 or under and less than 24 weeks pregnant with their first baby may be able to access support, and should discuss this with their midwife or call the FNP team directly on 01603 751712.

 

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