The Happy Mums Foundation, a charity based in Carlisle, has issued a stark warning that new mothers suffering from suicidal thoughts may be left without support if its community groups are forced to close. Director Lucinda Bray stated that the organization is terrified of the consequences if funding pressures prevent it from maintaining its current operations.
Founded in 2015 by a mother who experienced isolation after treatment in a Psychiatric Mother and Baby Unit, the foundation has assisted over 1,000 families across Cumbria. The charity provides peer-led support for women dealing with postpartum mental health challenges, offering a non-judgmental space for mothers to discuss their experiences.
Loss of Safe Spaces
Bray emphasized the critical role that face-to-face meetings play in preventing mental health crises. She noted that discussing suicidal ideation in a safe environment acts as a preventative measure. Without these physical gatherings, she questioned where vulnerable women would turn for help.
“I am terrified, if we don’t have in-person groups for mums, where will they go? What will they do?” Bray said. “Being able to talk about suicidal thinking is actually quite a good preventative factor. If that doesn’t have an outlet and you don’t have a safe space to talk about those things, where might they go?”
The charity reports that young mothers are 40% more likely to experience perinatal mental health difficulties. The foundation has already reduced its 13 weekly support groups to just five due to financial constraints. Without additional investment, the organization faces the prospect of moving entirely online or shutting down completely.
Community Impact and NHS Response
First-time mother Amy, who attends the foundation’s group for teens to 25-year-olds, described the stress of early motherhood. She noted that while motherhood is wonderful, the lack of knowledge and high expectations can be overwhelming. The group helped her build confidence to leave the house after her daughter was born prematurely.
“There’s plenty of support out there for babies, but it’s nice to have something that is more about the mums,” Amy said. She added that without the group, she would struggle to speak to people or ask for help when feeling low with depression or anxiety.
The financial strain is not unique to this charity. The sector has seen significant pressure recently, including the closure of suicide prevention charity Papyrus in September. Leigh Brimicombe of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations described the current climate as tough, citing a growing need for community support alongside reduced donor availability and increased operational costs.
Markus Campbell-Savours, Labour MP for Penrith and Solway, expressed concern to the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust. Chief executive James Duncan replied that while formal joint working with the NHS is not possible due to the distinction between peer-led and clinical services, the potential closure is particularly concerning given the limited number of voluntary organizations providing this type of support in the region.
The foundation previously received funding from Comic Relief, The National Lottery, The Cumbria Foundation, and the NHS. The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment regarding the situation.
Source: BBC
