Our sessions help to build happy, healthy bonds between parents/ caregivers and babies.
Being a parent is hard. There are many reasons why developing moments of connection with your baby might not come as easily as you first thought, including your own experiences as a child, your current situation, or previous traumatic events. When things feel difficult, our team offer a supportive, healing space and practical guidance.
We support:
We offer therapy that fits your needs, helping you through the ups and downs of being a parent, whether it's your first child or not.
If you’ve had a tough time in the past or just want to feel closer to your infant, we’re here to help you strengthen your relationship with your child.
Following referral, we’ll help you through any challenges, with a focus on your family’s relationships. Our supportive team is made up of trained and experienced psychologists and psychotherapists.
This is a local service for people living in Kent.
In addition you'll need to be:
We welcome all parents, carers and partners, no matter your background, religion, or culture.
We are an inclusive service and can help you even if English isn't your first language.
Areas we serve:
If you’ve been referred to us, we’ll get in touch within two working days to let you know how we can help. If our service is right for you, we’ll then book an appointment so we can talk further.
If you haven’t been referred yet, but you’re worried about your bond with your baby, please speak to your midwife, health visitor, GP or other healthcare professional.
They can talk through your options and help you get in touch with us if we’re the right fit for your family.
Once a professional refers you to us, we will review your information quickly. We guarantee to look at it and offer guidance within two working days because we know that reaching out for help is a big step, and we don’t want you left waiting or worrying.
Within 15 working days, you will have your first appointment. This isn't a test or a clinical exam; it is a relaxed, gentle conversation (usually over one or two sessions) where we observe and listen to understand what you and your child are experiencing. We will agree on a support plan together, and give you access to some helpful online resources straight away.
We will match you with the right specialist from our team. Depending on what will help you the most, this might involve one-to-one sessions, or joining a supportive group of other parents experiencing similar things.
Wherever possible we advise in-person sessions, but online support can be offered in exceptional circumstances. When we meet, we use welcoming, local, private rooms.
We know that daytime appointments aren't always possible when you are juggling family life, especially if you are back at work. To make things easier, we offer flexible appointment times, including some evenings and Saturdays.
Referrals can be made by:
Bringing your baby is ideal, but don't worry if this isn't possible for every session. Not all sessions require active interaction.
Mental health diagnosis is not a criteria for referral so no pre-diagnosis is required.
Our team will carefully consider alternative support options and may signpost you to other local resources or services. We will clearly communicate our recommendations in a formal letter sent to you, the professional who referred you, and your GP. To aid a smooth transition, we can also facilitate a direct discussion with the alternative service, provided you give us your consent to do so.
As we come to the end of our work together, we want to make sure you feel confident and supported as you move forward. We know that finishing a support programme can sometimes feel like a big step, so we have a clear process to celebrate any progress and ensure you have what you need for the future. You will receive a formal therapeutic ending letter, ongoing access to resources and your clinician will work with you to write a collaborative closing statement, which documents any of the key things that helped you, so that you have a record for the future.
PAIRS is a service commissioned by Kent County Council and delivered by Real Group Ltd.
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