Charity 'terrified' closure could leave mums suicidal

A charity has said it is "terrified" new mums suffering from suicidal thoughts will be left with nowhere to turn if its group sessions end due to funding pressures.

The Happy Mums Foundation, which supports women experiencing postpartum mental health challenges, was set up in 2015 and has helped more than 1,000 families across Cumbria.

Charity director Lucinda Bray fears the loss of the in-person "safe place" could worsen the mental health of vulnerable women in the county.

Women who have attended the sessions say the charity, which would move online only, offers "no judgement" peer support and helps mums feel less isolated when experiencing trauma.

Bray said: "I'm terrified, if we don't have in-person groups for mums, where will they go? What will they do?

"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?"

First-time mum Amy described motherhood as "absolutely wonderful" but admitted it could be stressful and overwhelming at times.

"The long nights, the crying and not knowing what it is they want, you've just been handed a tiny human being and you're meant to just know what to do and having the expectations of mum knows best.

"I didn't have a clue and I think a lot of mums are in the same boat."

At first Amy found it difficult to leave the house with her daughter who was born prematurely.

Now, she attends the charity's teen to 25 group, which has helped her build confidence.

"Obviously everyone absolutely adores the babies here but it's called Happy Mums for a reason," she said.

"There's plenty of support out there for babies, but it's nice to have something that is more about the mums."

Amy said without the support of the group she would struggle more to get out and about.