A POST-NATAL support group has won a commendation for its work to improve the health and well-being of mums and babies.

Doctors Mary Belshaw, David Gebbie and Katherine Burn, at whose Blackburn surgery the group meets, and health visitor Kath Thomson were presented with a certificate of commendation from the judges of the North West Health Challenge Awards 2000.

Group organiser Kath Thomson said: "Many mothers find that support is most valuable during the post-natal period. The meetings give mothers the chance to talk over a variety of issues concerning their babies and their older pre-school children.

"The group runs as an eight-week programme but it is so successful that many mothers continue to meet each other for months or even years after the group formally finishes."

The support group was set up in response to a demand by patients for a follow-up to parenting and ante-natal classes prior to giving birth. It meets weekly and has a guest speaker once a month.

Dr Mary Belshaw said: "Evidence shows that the support of a health professional like a health visitor and other mothers can be very beneficial to mothers. The group offers a very useful social point for mothers and a place where they can bring their queries about their child's health.

"The group is also of great health promotional value in helping mothers recognise childhood illnesses and educating them on health and safety issues."