Peer support in Perinatal Mental Health: Review of Evidence and Provision in Scotland (Internship Project Report)

This document describes an evaluation of the effectiveness of peer support in perinatal mental health in Scotland, highlighting its benefits in reducing depressive symptoms, improving self-esteem, and addressing social isolation among mothers. Conducted by Jessica Moran, the evaluation used a rapid literature review and primary data collection, analyzing 122 journal articles and reports, and engaging with 53 organizations. The findings show positive outcomes but also point out the need for more research on marginalized groups and a more comprehensive evaluation of peer support models. The document concludes that peer support is vital for maternal well-being and recommends enhancing good practices, safety, quality, accessibility, inclusivity, and integrating robust evaluation methods. It also discusses the role of peer support in the Perinatal Mental Health Network in Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the Jasmine Lodge Mother and Baby Unit, acknowledging the benefits and challenges faced. Additionally, the evaluation of various Scottish perinatal mental health services indicates improvements in mental well-being and social support, with some limitations noted in the evaluation processes. The Scottish Government's social research series is used to disseminate these findings, promoting transparency and accessibility. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: The Scottish Government (The Scottish Government)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Impact evaluation
• Impact methods: Generic research method
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: October 2020

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes