DorPIP: Charity says new parents struggling with loneliness

A charity that helps new parents bond with their babies has said demand for its services has quadrupled since the pandemic.

DorPIP said an increasing number of families are struggling with loneliness and a lack of appropriate support, particularly in rural areas.

The charity said it was Dorset's only parent-infant relationship service.

It has launched a fundraising appeal to help raise awareness and meet the increased demand.

DorPIP's therapeutic services include parent-infant psychotherapy, infant massage, online courses and peer support groups.

First-time mum Hayley Walker said she had struggled with anxiety but DorPIP had given her confidence and helped her create "a beautiful bond and attachment" with her son.

She said: "I did baby infant massage groups. I've also had psychotherapy to talk through how I'm feeling. We had someone come and talk about the cost-of-living crisis.

"It has made a great difference - and I've come away with three lovely friends and their three children."

DorPIP says the first 1,001 days of a child's life are crucial for their emotional and physical wellbeing and its services help ensure children can flourish from the start.

Founder Viv Allen said: "Transition to parenthood is so fundamental to set the foundations for your family to flourish and for that child's long-term health and wellbeing.

"While we involve the community, we have to be robust and make sure the services are delivered by professionals who have got the capacity and training to support families."

Ms Allen said, since founding DorPIP in 2017, the charity had reached more than 600 families, adding: "This year alone we will see that many babies."

DorPIP runs many of its services from council-run children's centres, some of which could be under threat as Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council seeks to cut costs.

The charity's fundraising campaign - the 1,001 Adventures Challenge - is asking participants to raise £1,001 to help meet rising demand.

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