by Gareth Nicholson
Most people have heard of Isle Listen and the early intervention and prevention support we focus on in schools and the community, the message is consistent, the earlier we can provide knowledge and coping tools around mental health and wellbeing, the greater the impact can be for individuals, families, and future generations.
Over the past year, we’ve been collaborating with the community and listening carefully to needs that have been raised, exploring how we can strengthen support beyond the schools programme into one of life’s biggest transitions: becoming a parent.
Following conversations with colleagues in maternity services, there was a clear gap in support for expectant parents facing additional health, social, emotional, or practical challenges. We began searching for an evidence-based programme that could meet this need and provide meaningful support before a baby is even born.
That’s when we found Mellow Parenting.
Mellow Bumps and Mellow Dads-to-Be are relationship-focused programmes that help parents build confidence, reduce stress, strengthen emotional wellbeing, and begin developing a connection with their baby before birth. Research has shown improvements in confidence, wellbeing, and engagement with support services, making it a powerful early intervention programme for families. And we are all for Evidence-based programmes, it’s our kitemark standard that allow Isle Listen to raise the level of professionalism and safety.
Bringing the programme to life has been a genuine community effort. From working alongside health professionals, to training our staff and volunteers, this has been a journey built on an Island together.
We are proud to have now launched our first Mellow Bumps and Mellow Dads-to-Be pilot programmes, facilitated by people who care and structured to cover common problems that new mums and dads worry about.
Week 1: Getting to know one another and creating a safe, supportive space.
Week 2: Exploring thoughts and feelings about becoming a parent and beginning to build a connection with baby.
Week 3: Focusing on wellbeing, self-care, and managing the pressures that can come with pregnancy and parenthood.
Week 4: Reflecting on support networks, relationships, and understanding early baby development.
Week 5: Considering how our own experiences can influence our journey into parenthood, while building self-compassion and confidence.
Week 6: Looking ahead to birth, early parenting, and developing confidence for the transition into parenthood.
Week 7: Bringing the journey together, celebrating progress, and planning for ongoing support and connection.
If you would like to find out more information on the Mellow Programme or would like to self-refer please follow the page below: https://www.islelisten.im/mellow-parenting/