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— Photo: Beacon Maternal Mental Health Team

Celebrating a decade of voices advocating for parents' wellbeing.

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (4th – 10th May 2026) is a national campaign dedicated to opening up conversations about mental health before, during, and after pregnancy.

It’s a chance for everyone to come together to shine a light on maternal mental health by raising awareness of the challenges parents face, advocating for women and families affected, and tackling stigma by changing attitudes. 

At Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, our dedicated teams are passionate about addressing these challenges and offering compassionate support to parents during difficult times. This year’s theme, “A decade of voices,” celebrates those who have spoken up and championed maternal mental health over the past ten years. To mark this, we’ve connected with a number of our incredible teams who work closely with parents to provide vital support.

Maternal Mental Health Week is so important to raise awareness of how impactful the perinatal period can be upon women and family's mental health. We are so privileged here in Beacon Maternal Mental Health Team, that we are able to support women and their families through what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives, to navigate the transition to parenthood whilst also navigating the devastating impact of trauma and loss.  

We are continually inspired by the strength of the people we work with and aim to raise awareness of the challenges they can face during this Maternal Mental Health Week.

— Kerry, Beacon Peer Support Worker 

Maternal mental health matters because anxiety and low mood during pregnancy or after birth can make everyday parenting feel more difficult and affect how connected and supported parents feel. Talking Therapies provide a safe, confidential space to explore these challenges, build confidence, and strengthen emotional wellbeing. 

We’re here to help you access support early, so you feel stronger and more able to cope with the demands of early parenthood. Our dedicated and skilled team are proud to walk alongside parents on their journey.

— Lucy, Clinical Lead, Herefordshire NHS Talking Therapies 

Maternal mental health affects 1 in 4 women experiencing conditions like depression, anxiety and postpartum psychosis during pregnancy or the first 2 years postpartum. Poor maternal mental health directly affects child development, impacts on bonding, and can lead to severe long-term consequences for both mother and baby. Early detection and referral for support is essential. 

The perinatal mental health team in Worcestershire are a multidisciplinary community team offering a service to women and birthing people who present with moderate-severe mental health difficulties during pregnancy or within two years of childbirth. We also offer support to the wider family and have an established partner pathway. 
Our team includes medics, psychologists, therapists, mental health nurses, occupational therapists (OT), nursery nurses, and peer support workers.

We offer a wide range of mental health support including psychology and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), compassion focused therapy (CFT), and one‑to‑one support. 

— Lucy, Clinical Lead, Worcestershire Perinatal Mental Health Team 

If you are a new parent and need some support, please speak to your GP. You can also self-refer to Herefordshire and Worcestershire Talking Therapies, who prioritise referrals from new parents. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health, contact the Herefordshire and Worcestershire 24-hour urgent mental health helpline by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option. 

Useful links & resources 

• DadPad: www.thedadpad.co.uk/app
• Sands: www.sands.org.uk
• The Cedar Tree: www.cedartree.org.uk
• Maternity Voices Partnership: www.nationalmaternityvoices.org.uk
• Pause: www.pause.org.uk/about-us
• Beacon Maternal Mental Health Service (MMHS): www.hacw.nhs.uk/services/service/maternal-mental-health-service-160
• Herefordshire and Worcestershire Talking Therapies: www.talkingtherapies.hwhct.nhs.uk/talking-therapies
• Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Maternity Services: www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/maternity-services
• Herefordshire Perinatal Mental Health Service:  www.hacw.nhs.uk/services/service/perinatal-mental-health-team-herefordshire-137 
• Worcestershire Perinatal Mental Health Service: www.hacw.nhs.uk/services/service/perinatal-mental-health-team-worcestershire-90