Newpin is a program designed to provide long-term support for families under stress. Although the program began with the intention of helping mothers only, it has since extended to assist fathers as well. The aim of Newpin is to break the cycle of destructive behavior often repeated by succeeding generations. Newpin aims to alleviate maternal depression and other mental distress while focusing on child-parent relationships and the prevention of emotional abuse.

Recipients of care are mainly women who are socially isolated and experiencing difficulties in relationships with their young children. These recipients of care are often referred by ante-natal clinics, psychologists, Health Visitors and doctors although they may also be self-referred.

Before arrangements are made to have a care provider come to the home, an area co-ordinator visits the home to provide the necessary information which allow families to make informed choices. If the mother agrees to participate in the NewPin program, she will then be matched with a "befriender". Once mothers become acquainted with and comfortable in the center, the children join the playgroup while mothers join a therapeutic support group. Personalized counseling is also available as are personal development programs which allow mothers and fathers to address such things as parental skills and family play.

Group discussions for fathers focus on issues including masculine identity, relationships with parents, aggression, communication and problem solving. Fathers' groups have worked with up to 12 men over a sustained period of about 8 months. Members are encouraged to attend the local NewPin center with their children at least twice a week. The personal development program takes just over a year to complete plus a further consolidation period of six months. Those who have completed the PDP may become befrienders.

Research funded by the Department of Health concluded that the emphasis on sharing and mutual support made it possible to provide intensive therapeutic services without creating dependency. A study of 40 mothers found that the most significant improvements in mental state occurred among those who had the most sustained and intensive involvement with the program. (Cox and others, 1990; Pound, 1994)

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