Walsall clinic with innovative approach to supporting parents
An innovative Walsall clinic is supporting parents who have suffered baby loss, have mental health needs or have experienced previous birth trauma.
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Believed to be the only one of its kind in the Black Country, the Calm Connections Clinic is run by three specialist Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust midwives.
Tracy Denmade, a birth reflections and patient experience midwife, Laura Atkinson the specialist bereavement midwife, and Hari Nijjar, mental health specialist midwife, opened the clinic.
It provides a compassionate and safe space for families to discuss their experiences, receive emotional support, and access tailored care.
Through one-to-one consultations, talking, and signposting to additional resources, the clinic is designed to promote healing, resilience, and emotional well-being.
Referrals to the clinic are made by Doctors and Midwives via an electronic referral system.
The clinic is based at The Mind Kind Hub in Proffitt Street, Walsall and runs every Tuesday from 9.30am to 1.30pm.
Tracy said: “Since it has opened we have supported 53 women.”
“There is an increased awareness and we have seen a rise in the number of women being referred to us.
“The three of us book women in according to the referral and their individual needs. We are not aware of any other trust offering this service.”
Hari, whose full-time post is partly financed by Walsall Council, provides comprehensive care to women and families during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.
She said: "We found we were getting referrals that needed a multi-disciplinary team approach from the three of us and decided to put this clinic in place to offer support to the women and families who needed it.
“The Black Country is one of the most deprived areas in the country, and combined with the increased risk of mental health issues, it makes the need for specialised care even more critical.
“We’re hoping by promoting the success of our clinic it will encourage other NHS Trusts to introduce this, and women and families get the seamless care and the right support at the right time.”
Laura said: “The clinic is a much-needed service that provides compassionate, specialist support for families who have experienced the heartbreak of baby loss.
“For those embarking on a subsequent pregnancy after loss, this can bring a mix of emotions – hope, anxiety, and fear.
“We offer a safe space for parents to share their concerns, reflect on their experiences, and receive tailored support to help them feel more reassured and empowered throughout their pregnancy.
