Funding boost for new mother support group

A community group that provides mental health support for new mothers has secured six-figure funding to continue the project for three more years.

Project Matrescence is a six-week programme which provides a safe space for all new mothers in Warwickshire who are between six to 12 months postpartum.

Funding by a local donor and supported by The Parenting Project will mean the group can go on supporting women until 2028.

It aims to run six groups a year for free in various locations, including Kenilworth, Stratford, Rugby, Nuneaton, Bedworth, Leamington Spa and Warwick.

In 2023-24 NHS England estimated that perinatal mental illness - defined as significant stress, anxiety and depression - affected 57,000 new mothers.

"Becoming a mother, is a unique time of change in a person's life, affecting every part of their experience; physical, psychological, social, economic and existential" , said Helen Davies, psychotherapist and Project Matrescence lead.

"We know that community support, psychoeducation, open and shared conversations around the realities of motherhood, and its individual impact, are incredibly helpful."

Groups are limited to 12 participants, and include group discussions and activities such as clay-work, drawing, collage, journaling and poetry.

A free creche has also been provided for attendees.

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