We are searching for a new Chair of Trustees to lead the organisation into its next phase of impact and influence
Beyond Baby Blue A ground-breaking and powerful drama to highlight the less obvious signs of deteriorating mental health. A young mother, Amy, feels increasingly overwhelmed and isolated but seem unable to express herself at postnatal checkups. Unsupported, she is trapped in a downward spiral. Play video Description Beyond Baby Blue was commissioned by the charity, Best Beginnings, as a response to increasing evidence that healthcare professionals and students lack knowledge and confidence to care and support women with mental health conditions (McCauley et.al 2011; Kahn 2015; Hauck, et.al 2015). Based on accounts from women with post natal depression, the film focusses on a teenage mother, struggling with isolation and shame around inexplicable loathing towards her child. The aim of the film was to enhance the understanding of Post Natal Depression among health professionals, but also to bring about policy change. An evaluation of the film was done by London Southbank University and Barts Health NHS Trust: The film was described as powerful and emotional in terms of how it stimulated discussion and reflection on experiences; which highlighted several issues in relation to the current provision of care; the role of healthcare professionals; improvements needed in care and the issue of education and training. Credits Executive Producers:Alison BaumBarbara JaysonNick GardnerDavid King Producer/director/writer:Chris GodwinBest BeginningsWhite Boat TV Close Reflective questions Inspired by the themes addressed within this film, the questions below are designed as prompts for group reflection. Personal Response What was your immediate emotional reaction to the film? Which moment stayed with you the most, and why? Did anything surprise you or challenge your assumptions? Exploring Post Natal Depression (PND) How did the film enhance your understanding of PND – especially for young or isolated parents? What signs of PND were portrayed that could be missed in practice? world practice? How do stigma, shame or cultural expectations influence how someone presents when they are struggling? Poverty, Isolation and Social Determinants of Health How were poverty, family breakdown or lack of support depicted as contributing factors? What systems or structures in your experience help or hinder families like the one in the film? If you could change one thing at a service or policy level, what would it be? Professional Roles and Responsibilities What did the film highlight about the role of health visitors, midwives or early years professionals? years professionals? Where might professional curiosity have changed the trajectory for this family? What barriers do clinicians face when trying to build trust with a struggling parent? Lived Experience and Perspective Taking What does the film demonstrate about the internal battles which parents may not verbalise? How does hearing another person’s lived experience enhance your connection to this issue? Courageous Conversations What conversations in the film felt difficult or avoided? How confident do you (or others in your team) feel about having conversations about intrusive thoughts, self harm or suicide risk? What language or approaches could help make these discussions safer? Closing: Taking it Forward What is one thing you will do after watching Beyond Baby Blue? What is one collective action your team could take to improve experiences for families? Related Posts Play video Invisible This poignant film raises awareness of new fathers’ mental health and explores the factors impacting the emotional wellbeing of fathers following the arrival of a new baby. Watch now Play video Cycle of Change The film challenges menopause myths and provides clear, supportive information for women, employers, educators and healthcare professionals. Watch now Play video Tina Tina is a powerful film which has been created to support staff to have conversations around end of life care. The film has a particular focus on people with experience of homelessness. Watch now
Description Beyond Baby Blue was commissioned by the charity, Best Beginnings, as a response to increasing evidence that healthcare professionals and students lack knowledge and confidence to care and support women with mental health conditions (McCauley et.al 2011; Kahn 2015; Hauck, et.al 2015). Based on accounts from women with post natal depression, the film focusses on a teenage mother, struggling with isolation and shame around inexplicable loathing towards her child. The aim of the film was to enhance the understanding of Post Natal Depression among health professionals, but also to bring about policy change. An evaluation of the film was done by London Southbank University and Barts Health NHS Trust: The film was described as powerful and emotional in terms of how it stimulated discussion and reflection on experiences; which highlighted several issues in relation to the current provision of care; the role of healthcare professionals; improvements needed in care and the issue of education and training. Credits Executive Producers:Alison BaumBarbara JaysonNick GardnerDavid King Producer/director/writer:Chris GodwinBest BeginningsWhite Boat TV Close Reflective questions Inspired by the themes addressed within this film, the questions below are designed as prompts for group reflection. Personal Response What was your immediate emotional reaction to the film? Which moment stayed with you the most, and why? Did anything surprise you or challenge your assumptions? Exploring Post Natal Depression (PND) How did the film enhance your understanding of PND – especially for young or isolated parents? What signs of PND were portrayed that could be missed in practice? world practice? How do stigma, shame or cultural expectations influence how someone presents when they are struggling? Poverty, Isolation and Social Determinants of Health How were poverty, family breakdown or lack of support depicted as contributing factors? What systems or structures in your experience help or hinder families like the one in the film? If you could change one thing at a service or policy level, what would it be? Professional Roles and Responsibilities What did the film highlight about the role of health visitors, midwives or early years professionals? years professionals? Where might professional curiosity have changed the trajectory for this family? What barriers do clinicians face when trying to build trust with a struggling parent? Lived Experience and Perspective Taking What does the film demonstrate about the internal battles which parents may not verbalise? How does hearing another person’s lived experience enhance your connection to this issue? Courageous Conversations What conversations in the film felt difficult or avoided? How confident do you (or others in your team) feel about having conversations about intrusive thoughts, self harm or suicide risk? What language or approaches could help make these discussions safer? Closing: Taking it Forward What is one thing you will do after watching Beyond Baby Blue? What is one collective action your team could take to improve experiences for families?
Play video Invisible This poignant film raises awareness of new fathers’ mental health and explores the factors impacting the emotional wellbeing of fathers following the arrival of a new baby. Watch now
Play video Cycle of Change The film challenges menopause myths and provides clear, supportive information for women, employers, educators and healthcare professionals. Watch now
Play video Tina Tina is a powerful film which has been created to support staff to have conversations around end of life care. The film has a particular focus on people with experience of homelessness. Watch now