Charity Campaign Highlights Urgent Need for Support for New Mothers
As Mother’s Day approaches, a Birmingham-based charity is sounding the alarm over funding shortages that could leave countless new mothers without essential mental health support. Acacia Family Support, founded by two mothers who faced perinatal mental health challenges, is launching a campaign titled “Motherhood – Not What You Expected?” to bridge a critical funding gap.
Since its inception in 2003, Acacia Family Support has been a lifeline for hundreds of parents dealing with prenatal and postnatal depression. However, recent cuts in NHS funding, coupled with decreased donations and grant income, have resulted in a significant £150,000 deficit—approximately 20% of the charity’s annual budget.
The financial shortfall has raised concerns that without immediate financial assistance, many mothers experiencing pregnancy-related mental health issues may be unable to access early interventions. Acting Director Becky Douglas-Jones emphasized the campaign’s goal to shed light on the often-hidden challenges of motherhood.
“Mother’s Day is framed as a joyful celebration of motherhood, but the reality is different for many women,” Douglas-Jones stated. “One in four mothers experience anxiety, depression, or other serious mental health problems during pregnancy or after the birth. When they see images of other people’s perfect Mother’s Day, it amplifies the guilt, shame, and inadequacy they feel because they’re struggling to bond with their baby.”
The campaign will feature five short videos shared on social media leading up to Mother’s Day 2026. Each video tells the story of a mother who has benefited from Acacia’s support, highlighting struggles such as isolation, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Vicki Hook, Acacia’s head of fundraising, stressed the importance of early intervention in perinatal mental health, noting, “Birmingham has the second-highest number of instances of perinatal mental health conditions in the country. If we can’t replace these funds, many mothers won’t get that preventative service when prompt treatment is so essential.”
The first 1,001 days of a child’s life, from pregnancy to two years old, are crucial for development. Hook explained, “We know that children of parents who experience mental health issues at this stage are more likely to struggle with their own social and emotional development. They’re [new mothers] so vulnerable during that period and things can escalate really quickly. Suicide is the leading cause of death in the first year after pregnancy.”
One supporter of the campaign, Emma Elmas from Cofton Hackett, shared her experience with Acacia’s services. “I started self-harming because I needed control,” she revealed. “And I thought about committing suicide – not because I didn’t love my children, but because I couldn’t cope… Without Acacia, I wouldn’t be here today and my children wouldn’t have a mother. I owe them everything.”
Acacia collaborates with NHS services, often receiving referrals for mothers requiring more immediate or specialized support than what public healthcare offers. The charity provides one-to-one sessions, group programs, and a crèche for parents attending support appointments.
Douglas-Jones noted that the charity’s supportive, non-judgmental environment encourages mothers to speak openly about their struggles. Many fear that admitting difficulties could result in social services intervention, but Acacia offers a safe space.
“Acacia has a beautiful family feel, offering kindness, hope, care and gentleness,” Douglas-Jones said. “Our mums feel welcome; they feel included; they feel special and important. We’re a local charity. We’re here for Brummie families, supported by local volunteers and staff who’ve been through perinatal mental health problems themselves and are motivated to go the extra mile.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
