NEW mums struggling with mental health problems are set to benefit from equipment donated by a charity set up in memory of a health visitor and midwife.

The Sue Moreton Foundation has donated tablet computers to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board's (BCUHB) Perinatal Mental Health Service.

The equipment will enable specialist staff to use an innovative therapy to help new mums overcome mental health problems and forge a better bond with their baby.

Sue Moreton was a Colwyn Bay health visitor and midwife and worked in nursing, childcare and health visiting services for more than 44 years.

She died in January 2016 following a short illness.

Pat Smailes, who works as a Community Midwife in Colwyn Bay and is a Sue Moreton Foundation Trustee. was close friends with Sue.

“Sue would be thrilled to know that the charity we set up in her name was supporting new mums experiencing mental health problems," she said.

"She was passionate about supporting women who had post-natal depression and she often had a special connection with these women. She would always go the extra mile to follow up on them and make sure they were ok."

BCUHB’s Perinatal Mental Health Service supports women who develop mental health problems during pregnancy or after giving birth.

The tablets will enable staff to use a psychological therapy called Video Interactive Guidance to help new mums develop a secure attachment with their baby.

The therapy, particularly effective for women who are suffering from depression, anxiety and low confidence, involves the filming of new mums interacting with their baby, before a microanalysis of the video footage is used to devise recommendations on how they can improve the bond.

Since being established, the Sue Moreton Foundation has raised more than £12,000, which has helped fund advanced breastfeeding training for midwives and health visitors, bedside cots to enable mums to stay close to their baby during their time in hospital, and support for bereaved parents.

Emma Adamson, a specialist perinatal mental health midwife with the health board, said: "This kind gift from The Sue Moreton Foundation is invaluable as it will enable us to now provide Video Interactive Guidance in which our practitioners are trained, for the benefit of women and their babies."

Pat and fellow supporters have started organising charity walks along the coastal path of Sue’s beloved Anglesey, which are bringing people with a shared interest in midwifery and health visiting together to make new friends and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Sue’s husband, Neil Moreton, said: “It’s developed into something much bigger than we anticipated in the beginning, and it’s like we have created our own community.

“I’m really grateful to everyone who continues to support the charity.”

Visit www.facebook.com/thesuemoretonfoundation or www.thesuemoretonfoundation.org