Hartcliffe charity supporting mothers with their mental health turns 40

Started in 1981 by a group of mothers at Bristol Maternity Hospital, Mothers for Mothers has now supported more than 5,000 women.

The charity, which is celebrating 40 years in 2021, was founded on the idea that mothers know bets how to support other mothers.

Mothers for Mothers has expanded from a helpline and support call service to include peer support groups, art psychotherapy, counselling and a home visiting service for the women most in need. The organisation also campaigns, educates and advocates for better mental health support.

“Healthy communities have healthy mothers and so maternal mental health is a huge issue that affects not only families but also the fabric of our communities,” says Charlie Dorman, a volunteer at Mothers for Mothers.

“Despite the scale of the issue, traditional health service provision isn’t always able to provide personal, focussed, woman-centred care nor do the individuals working in those services necessarily have the same level of understanding that our peer supporters can offer.”

The charity, based in Hartcliffe, has big plans for its 40th year.

Throughout 2021, staff and volunteers are trying to raise £40,000, host a Mother’s Day event as continue to support vulnerable mothers at a particularly difficult time.

Mothers for Mother recognise that the past year has been a particularly difficult time to give birth. Photo: Courtesy of Emylia Hall – Mothership Writers

“During the pandemic we have seen a significant rise in exacerbation of pre-existing mental illness and large increases in isolation, loneliness, fear, anxiety and depression in women who are pregnant and have given birth during this time,” says Maria Viner, CEO of Mothers for Mothers.

Throughout the first lockdown, the charity support more than 440 women, adapting to remote services even before the Government restrictions were announced.

The pandemic has brought to attention a stark need for digital equality however, with Maria saying: “Prior to lockdown we were aware that the majority of the families we worked with had access to a smart device.

What we did not realise was many of these families did not have access to data, and usually used cafes and public spaces to access data. During lockdown this was no longer available to them and for some it was impossible for them to access services.”

Instead, home visitors made doorstep drops offs of care packages to the most vulnerable families – particularly those living in digital poverty. This gave them have conversations on the doorstep and for the charity to monitor how they were coping and give details of signposting to other services which could help.

While some services are now happening in-person, many of Mothers for Mothers’ work is still happening virtually.

Continued lockdown restrictions means that the charity has also adapted how it celebrates Mother’s Day on Sunday, March 15.

“Our Mother’s Day Campaign, From One Mother to Another, goes back to the roots of the idea that mothers can support other mothers,” says Charlie.

“Flowers are proven to have a positive impact on our sense of wellbeing and our flowers campaign is designed to show all mothers that they are special.”

People can buy flowers through Roots Floral Design. Photo: Roots Floral Design

The charity is calling for people in Bristol to donate 40 bunches of flowers that they will then distribute to 40 mothers in the city.

“It’s never easy to become a mother when you are struggling with emotional wellbeing, but this has been a particularly tough year for some,” says Maria.

“The gesture of kindness that comes with receiving flowers will really lift the spirits of the recipients and will have a direct impact on their sense of wellbeing at a really difficult time.”

People can also support the charity by buying Mother’s Day cards from @amandaclarke_illustration. Flowers can be donated to Mothers for Mothers’ offices at Unit 5, Easton Business Centre or can be ordered through Emma Petersson Designer Florist of Roots Floral Design.

The ‘From One Mother to Another’ campaign will continue throughout the year with other celebratory events aimed at raising awareness of maternal mental health.

Main photo: Bouquets for Days

Read more: Born in Lockdown – raw, inspiring accounts of new motherhood