This year, on Bluebell Day, we are absolutely thrilled at the launch of the Bluebell at ParentLine Scotland helpline.
When we set up the Bluebell Campaign in 2005 we quickly realised that there was a need for a national telephone helpline, as no such service existed in Scotland. We are delighted that after just three years of campaigning we are able to pilot this project. The Church of Scotland Guild have been instrumental in supporting the Bluebell Campaign and have raised substantial funds through their Let’s Live: body, mind and soul theme.
The pilot helpline is a joint venture between Bluebell at CrossReach and CHILDREN 1ST, which runs the free helpline ParentLine Scotland.
From the ParentLine Scotland call centre in Edinburgh, the partnership will provide a free Scotland-wide advice service for sufferers of postnatal depression and their families.
The enterprise will see ParentLine Scotland providing their team of volunteer call takers and technical and professional support services, while CrossReach will be covering the cost of the dedicated helpline number and supplying specialised, expert training for ParentLine Scotland’s call takers.
Viv Dickenson, one of the founder members of the Bluebell Campaign and an employee of CrossReach, said:
“Until now support for families struggling with postnatal depression has been patchy. The launch of the Bluebell at Parentline Scotland helpline is a major step forward in our campaign to provide Scotland-wide support for all sufferers of postnatal depression and their families. The helpline will be an invaluable resource and will operate in addition to existing services run by the NHS and voluntary organisations.”
We expect that Bluebell at ParentLine Scotland will prove an excellent resource for families who feel like they are struggling with PND in isolation.
