With the additional funding, we can run extra courses for homeless mums and their babies in the hostel. The demand for this group is very large and we operate a waiting list for it. Additional funding will allow us to meet that demand by scheduling an additional course during 2017.
Becoming a mum for the first time brings big changes to life and has lots of challenges! This can feel like a shock! National Statistics tell us that 1 in 5 mums suffer from a mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety, either during pregnancy or during the first year after childbirth. That is why Mummyshock provides a supportive space for women to talk, in a safe and friendly environment. The 10-week counselling group as been written by Professional Counsellors who have been there, and who understand. We have this opportunity to run the course in-house with Stopover in Brighton, a hostel for young mums who are homesless or at risk of homelessness and need a safe place to live. Our course will help the new mums to grow in confidence and resilience, as well as feeling more attached and bonded ot their baby- helping everyone get the best start. We do this each week through exploring different topics, such as changes in identity, relationships, coping strategies, support networks and more. But- don't just take our word for it! This is what some of our mums say about Mummyshock:
“It’s been such a lovely group to be part of- meeting brilliant people and feeling so supported, and having time to talk and discuss! Every new Mum should have this!”(Fi- Mummyshock group member)
“Simply having space to share my experience and recognise that others feel something similar has built my confidence and peace as a new mum.” (Naomi, Mummyshock group member).
(Mummyshock is a partnership project between Release Counselling & Therapy for Women and Rebecca Mitchell).
