THERE will be more help and support available for new, expectant and bereaved mothers with plans to open new mental health 'hubs' across the country- including one in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Ten sites, including Cumbria's, will be up and running 'within months' with the remaining 16 opening by April 2022.

NHS England has predicted the centres will provide treatment for around 6,000 patients in the first year and will offer help for a wide range of mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after giving birth, anxiety and depression.

The centres will also be responsible for training maternity staff and midwives.

Claire Murdoch, NHS England’s national mental health director, said: “Every woman has a unique experience with pregnancy and motherhood and some will need extra support to cope with mental health issues that can range from anxiety to severe depression so I am delighted that mothers across all areas of the country will be able to access this help if they need it.

“The NHS is here for everyone who needs help and the expansion of specialist care through the roll out of these maternal mental health services will strengthen the services already in place, enabling us to improve the quality of care and outcomes for many women.

“I would encourage any mum who needs this support to come forward safe in the knowledge that her mental health and well-being are of paramount importance and she should not feel ashamed of accessing the help she needs.”