Harrogate: March of the Mums
Mums are walking 20km to represent the 20% of new mums who experience mental health conditions perinatally
Scores of mums are taking part in the "20 for the 20" challenge across the Harrogate district today (Sunday, 10 March).
It's to raise awareness and funds to support new mothers experiencing mental health challenges.
The event will see a group of walkers, many of them mums who are foregoing their own mother’s day celebrations, take on a 20km route.
RCOG (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) stats say 20% of mothers face mental health struggles during and after pregnancy (perinatally).
Mamas Matter aims to support that 20% locally with peer support and mindfulness courses resources.
Mamas Matter CIC was founded in 2018 by Jo McGregor.
Jo experienced postnatal depression after the birth of all three of her boys and part of her recovery was helped adopting a mindfulness practice (as well as therapy and medication).
She began working with local mums by running mindfulness based classes for new mums and their babes, sharing mindful techniques that had been helpful in her recovery.
The running of Mamas Matter is now supported by a number of volunteers, all who also have lived experience of maternal mental health conditions.
The group now offers a choice of three mindfulness based courses to suit mums at all stages of motherhood and a weekly drop-in mental health peer support group in collaboration with several other local community groups.
For more information on Mamas Matter and how to donate to the 20km challenge, please visit the group's Facebook page.