EMPOWERING COVENTRY AND WARWICKSHIRE FAMILIES WITH SUPPORT THIS MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH WEEK
1 May 2025
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, taking place from 5–11 May 2025, shines a spotlight on the mental health challenges faced by women during pregnancy and after childbirth. This year's theme, ‘Your voice, your strength’, encourages mothers to speak openly about their experiences and seek the support they need.
In support of the week, NHS Coventry and Warwickshire is encouraging mothers to practise self care to look after their mental health and to reach out to support that’s locally available if they need it.
Maintaining mental well-being during and after pregnancy is crucial and it’s recommended that expectant and new mothers establish a daily routine, stay active by engaging in gentle physical activity, and connect with others to help feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Social prescribing initiatives like Buggy Talk, which takes place in Bedworth and Nuneaton, can be particularly helpful in getting mothers active outdoors and talking to give their mental health a boost.
Hear from new mums who have benefited from the Buggy Talk group by watching the video below.
Ellie Monkhouse, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board, said:
“Maternal mental health is so important but is often overlooked. I’m sure a lot of mothers can attest that after having a baby, it can feel like you’ve lost your identity - people ask about the baby but forget to ask how you’re doing.
“Making connections, particularly with people who are navigating motherhood at the same time, is invaluable for mental health and wellbeing.”
There are also organisations in Coventry and Warwickshire dedicated to providing support to mothers. Since 2019, FWT – A Centre for Women has offered perinatal mental health peer support, focusing on Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) women. Their MAMTA programme aims to improve child and maternal health outcomes by providing education and support during the antenatal and postnatal periods.
Operating across Coventry and Warwickshire, Parents in Mind offers friendly, non-judgemental peer support for mothers experiencing mental health difficulties during pregnancy and early parenthood. The service is funded by Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust and Coventry City Council.
If you're in Coventry or Warwickshire and need support, you can contact the above organisations to help you navigate the challenges of motherhood. For more general support and resources, you can also visit the Perinatal Mental Health Partnership website.