New NHS app launched to support parents during Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2026

Posted: 01 June 2026

Mother with babyA new NHS mobile app designed to help parents feel more confident about seeking mental health support, after having a baby, is being launched by Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust during Infant Mental Health Awareness Week (8–14 June 2026).

While motherhood is often described as one of life’s most joyful experiences, it can also bring significant emotional challenges. Around one in five women experience mental health difficulties during pregnancy or in the first year after birth, including anxiety, depression and, in some cases, postpartum psychosis.

Infant Mental Health Awareness Week aims to break down the stigma surrounding maternal mental health and remind parents they are not alone.

To help reduce barriers and encourage more families to access support, the Trust is launching a new digital platform designed to help parents understand what the Specialist Mother and Baby Service (SMABS) offers and what to expect from support.

The mobile-friendly platform addresses common worries parents may have about discussing their mental health and reassures families that compassionate help is available.

Parents can access the platform at www.smabs.bdct.nhs.uk or by scanning a QR code on their phone. It explains what support the service offers, how families can access help, and what parents can expect during their care. Mothers who have received support from the service also share their experiences of reaching out and how the support helped them during difficult times.

The platform launches during this year’s Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, which focuses on the theme “Attunement” – highlighting the importance of early emotional connections between babies and their parents or carers. Attunement is the ability to tune in and connect with others on an emotional level. For babies, these early relationships are vital. Feeling understood, safe and loved helps babies develop emotionally, learn to regulate their feelings, and build strong foundations for later life.

However, bonding with a baby does not always come easily. Parents who are overwhelmed by trauma or struggling with their mental or physical health may find it difficult to connect and may need additional support. Across the UK, more than one in ten babies are thought to be living with significant levels of fear, confusion or distress.

The Trust’s Specialist Mother and Baby Service supports parents across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven, experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties during pregnancy and the first year after birth. The team works closely with families to support recovery and strengthen relationships between parents and their babies.

One mother who received support from the service described how reaching out helped her during a difficult time: “When I was struggling after my baby was born, I felt ashamed and worried about telling anyone how bad things had become. I thought I would be judged as a parent. The team listened without judgement and helped me understand what I was going through. Slowly, I began to feel more like myself again and I was able to enjoy being with my baby.”

Dr Lisa Milne, Clinical Lead of the Trust’s Specialist Mother and Baby Mental Health Service (SMABS), said:

“Infant Mental Health Awareness Week is an important opportunity to highlight how early relationships shape a child’s emotional development. When parents are struggling with their mental health, it can affect how they connect with their baby. Our service is here to support families during this time and help them build those important early bonds.”

Families who are concerned about their mental health during pregnancy or after the birth of their baby are encouraged to speak to their midwife, health visitor, GP or mental health professional to access support.

Find out more about local mental health services and support: