Finding ‘Your Voice, Your Strength’ this Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week | Health & Wellbeing | Lifestyle

Today (Monday 5 May) marks the start of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week – an annual campaign to encourage people to talk about their mental health before, during and after pregnancy.

Around one in five women experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or within the early postnatal years. The national campaign, organised by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, aims to raise awareness and change attitudes towards mental health problems in the perinatal period, and support people to access the information they need to help their mental health during this time.

The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Your Voice, Your Strength’ and Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Being pregnant and becoming a new parent is a life-changing event. It is normal for new parents to feel a variety of emotions during this time.

“If you’re feeling low and it’s starting to affect your everyday life, there are a range of things you can do that may help, so please don’t suffer in silence. Talk to your family and friends and share your concerns – they may be able to help you find more support.

“Across the city, there is a range of mental health and emotional wellbeing support services available for expectant and new parents. Speak to your midwife, health visitor or attend your local Family Hub if you have any concerns. They can provide you with lots of advice and information about local groups and specialist services that can support you and your wellbeing.”

The Family Hubs Parent and Infant Wellbeing Team offer a range of weekly activities to help parents with their wellbeing and build positive bonds with their infants, including Baby Massage, Baby & Me wellbeing group, coffee mornings and 121 befriending. Anyone with concerns about their mental health and wellbeing should contact:

• Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s 24-hour helpline on 0800 008 6516 or text 07860 025281, or
• Health Visiting Single Point of Access (SPoA) Hub on 01902 441057
• Your local Family Hub Family Hubs | City Of Wolverhampton Council.

The Healthy Child Wolves app is also packed with tips, guidance and signposting to support families, including advice on looking after your emotional health and wellbeing.