Harrogate mum hopes to run classes for new parents struggling during lockdown
Jo McGregor is hoping to raise money to start free classes for those who are suffering with poor mental health
A local not-for-profit baby group are fundraising to provide free classes for parent's who had babies in lockdown.
Jo McGregor set up Baby Mindful Harrogate after she recovered from post-natal depression and hopes things she learnt can help families who are suffering with poor mental health as a result of the pandemic.
Jo launched a small survey to new mums who gave birth during lockdown and found almost 60% of respondents reported that they experienced a perinatal mental health condition. Usual rates of women affected by such mental health conditions are between 10 and 25 percent.
As most groups and sessions been cancelled or moved online because of the pandemic, it's believed to be having a negative impact on new mums' mental health.
Jo McGregor, said: "This cohort of mums who have been impacted by covid have experienced poor mental health. It clearly shows what kind of impact the pandemic has had on new mums.
"I'm really looking forward to be able to support mums who have had a tough time during the pandemic.
"I really think mindfullness classes help. It gives you time to sit one to one with your baby and not worry about all the other stresses of normal life. It really helped me to overcome post natal depression.
"It's a tool in a toolkit. It's not something that is a cure but mindfulness really helped me in my recovery so I'd love to be able to help other mums and support their mental wellbeing."
Baby Mindful Harrogate launched a crowdfunder to raise money for the project in January, partnering with local social enterprise MyLifePool Harrogate.
MyLifePool Harrogate have been donating the proceeds from their heart keyring sales to the project. Each keyring is engraved with slogan Mental Health Matters.
Their the “Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve” campaign supports local causes that benefit the local community’s collective mental health. Baby Mindful Harrogate CIC are the first cause that MyLifePool has chosen to support.