New and expectant mothers across south west London will benefit from mental health services that have just had funding secured.

Teams made up of doctors, nurses, social workers and other health professionals will work together to provide a “comprehensive” service to mums, depending on individual needs.

The service will cover Kingston, Richmond, Wandsworth, Merton, Sutton and Croydon.

Sarah Blow, senior responsible officer for South West London Health and Care Partnership said: “Over 21,000 women give birth every year across the six boroughs we serve. This funding will allow us to support any of those women, should they experience complex or severe mental health problems.

“In addition, it will allow us to deliver training to the wider workforce to ensure that others are confident in recognising the symptoms and helping to manage less serious mental health problems during the perinatal period.”

The teams will offer psychiatric and psychological assessments and care for women with complex or severe mental health problems.

They can also provide pre-conception advice for women with a current or past severe mental illness who are planning a pregnancy.

Claire Murdoch, national mental health director for NHS England said: “Mental ill health doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone at any time and it disrupts life not just for mums but the whole family, which is why we are absolutely committed to driving forward improvements in care and ensuring this important area of mental health continues to get the attention it deserves.