Path to Parenthood is a dedicated resource to support our staff through every step of their journey to becoming parents. Whether you're navigating fertility treatments, experiencing pregnancy, exploring adoption, or adjusting to the life-changing adventure of parenthood, we're here to help. Our mission is to create a compassionate and inclusive environment where you can find practical resources, emotional support, and flexible guidance tailored to your unique path.
Fertility
Fertility treatment can be an emotional rollercoaster so getting support from people who can relate to what you’re going through is very important. This page will help you understand the different types of support available and how to find them.
Pregnancy, Maternity and Postnatal Wellbeing Support
The Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) is a UK charity and network of 130 organisations, dedicated to ensuring women and families affected by perinatal mental health problems have access to high-quality, compassionate care.
Having a baby is a big life event. It's natural to have a range of emotions. But if these feelings start to seriously affect your life, you might be experiencing a perinatal mental health problem.
If you're struggling in pregnancy, or after having a new baby – we're here for you.
Postnatal depression (PND) is a common problem that occurs after pregnancy and affects more than 1 in 10 women within a year of giving birth. It can also affect dads and partners. PND can present itself in different ways, and many parents don’t realise they have the condition because it can develop gradually over time.
Whether you're pregnant, planning your maternity leave or are postpartum and possibly planning your return to work, there are lots of transitions involved in having a child and juggling the other parts of your life. As such, we've collated a range of 10 useful online resources to help you navigate maternity, as well as 10 key sites to support you with postnatal wellbeing.
Adoption
Herefordshire and Worcestershires Councils' adoption service is part of Adoption Central England (ACE) - a well-established regional adoption agency covering Coventry, Solihull, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire, with experienced, friendly and supportive staff who will guide you through your adoption journey.
ACE is committed to providing a service to children by offering high quality preparation, training and support to adoptive families for as long as necessary. Committed to being an inclusive service, ACE welcomes enquiries about adoption from all sections of the community who it is hoped, will be able to care for children who are waiting for adoptive families.
Adoption enquiries are accepted regardless of single, marital or cohabiting status, cultural, racial or ethnic background or religious persuasion. ACE will also consider people who live outside of the region where they are able travel for training and other events, and are in a position to consider the adoption of sibling groups.
ACE provides a range of adoption services for people in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Follow this link for more information or call 0300 369 0556
Parenthood
Every parent needs a little help from time to time. We're on hand, in communities and online.
We know that supporting parents means better outcomes for the child. We've seen the difference this support can make. That’s why we offer help and guidance, in person and through our online services.
"We build better family lives together"
Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families. If you need to talk, we're here to listen
