Helix Cheshire and Merseyside Perinatal Mental Health Lead Provider Collaborative is proud to announce that we have been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2026 Picker Experience National Network Awards (PEN Awards 2026).
We have been recognised in the Equity in Experience category for Born from Experience, a powerful film series created by members of the Helix Experts by Experience Forum.
Born from Experience was developed and led by Helix Experts by Experience, who shared their lived experience of perinatal mental health to help improve understanding, support and service design. Their insight has shaped Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Services across Cheshire and Merseyside, and their contributions have been central to the development of the new Seren Lodge Mother and Baby Unit.
Born from Experience consists of seven English language films and one Welsh language film. Each film offers a distinct personal perspective on perinatal mental health, highlighting both challenges and messages of hope. The series explores key themes including:
- Identifying signs of perinatal mental health difficulties
- Lived experience of a Mother and Baby Unit
- The impact of perinatal mental health on partners and families
- What professionals can do to provide meaningful, compassionate support
Funded by the Helix Lead Provider Collaborative, the films aim to support anyone seeking understanding or reassurance, as well as professionals working to improve perinatal mental health care.
The Equity in Experience category celebrates initiatives that address inequalities in experience and access, and that encourage inclusion. Born from Experience reflects these values by amplifying voices that are often unheard and by helping shape services that respond to real needs.
Watch the series
The full Born from Experience series is available on our website and on YouTube. We encourage you to watch and share these films widely.