Parents 1st Essex

Getting in touch with our friendly team is really easy! Complete our online form or simply give us a call: 01268 525 758. Our office opening times are Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm.

We will aim to get back to you within 1 week. You can then decide whether it’s for you.

If you decide to go ahead, the next step is introducing you to your Pregnancy Pal. The meetings are friendly and informal so that you feel comfortable and at ease.

Important:

• Request support as early as possible during the pregnancy
• If you are requesting support on behalf of a parent, consent must be given prior to requesting support by the parent
• Please inform us if you are aware of a potential risk to a volunteer
• We are not a crisis service
• If you think an expectant parent might benefit but they are unsure, simply suggest that they meets us first before deciding – it’s less daunting

Expectant parents may particularly benefit if they:

• Are first time parents
• Are feeling isolated
• Are facing language or cultural barriers
• Have low emotional wellbeing or have previously suffered postnatal depression
• Have a disability or medical condition that may impact on early family life
• Had a previous traumatic birth, still birth, neonatal death or sudden infant death
• Are facing housing or homeless issues
• Are expecting a multiple birth.

How we will respond to your request for support:

• We will try to make contact with the expectant parent within 1 week of receiving a request form to agree a convenient time to make an informal visit (usually in their home)
• If the expectant parent decides it is for them, and if a Pregnancy Pal is available, we will make a suitable match and organise a first meeting
• If you’re a professional requesting support for a parent, we will feedback about the outcome of your request.

If you would like to talk through the suitability of a request for support do contact us.