You are not alone - Support & Resources
This page brings together organisations, reading, and community spaces that have been shared in Mamas Circle and across the Sawubona community. You don't need to know exactly what you're looking for, just take what feels helpful, leave the rest.
Browse all resources across every category shared in Mamas Circle.
For moments when things feel unsafe or overwhelming right now. These services are available 24/7 and provide immediate help for anyone in crisis.
Support specifically for mental health during pregnancy and in the months and years after birth. Covers postnatal depression, birth trauma, anxiety, and other perinatal mental health difficulties.
Practical help for mothers navigating financial pressures, including employment rights, benefits entitlements, and financial hardship.
Spaces to connect with other mothers and parents, in person and online. Sometimes what helps most is being with others who get it.
Books, podcasts, and other resources recommended within the Mamas Circle community. This section will grow over time.
Resources to help you rest, recharge, and find balance. Because rest is not a reward, it is a right.
http://giveusashout.org | Free, confidential text-based crisis support. Text SHOUT to 85258
http://samaritans.org | Free, confidential listening service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 116 123.
http://111.nhs.uk | Free NHS helpline. Select the mental health option for immediate telephone support without needing a GP referral.
http://nhs.uk | If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E
https://www.makebirthbetter.org | A collective of experts bringing together lived experience and extensive professional knowledge of birth trauma and vicarious trauma. Supporting both parents and professionals.
https://asamidwives.co.uk/journey-of-asam | Association of South Asian Midwives. Dedicated to improving maternity care for South Asian women and their babies. Every mother deserves care that respects her cultural background and meets her unique needs.
http://birthtraumaassociation.org.uk | Support and information for women and birthing people who have experienced a traumatic birth, including PTSD resources.
http://acacia.org.uk | Birmingham-based organisation offering support, information, and groups for parents experiencing postnatal illness.
http://apni.org | Association for Postnatal Illness. Telephone and email support from volunteers who have experienced PND themselves.
http://mums-aid.org | Free counselling and emotional support for mothers experiencing postnatal depression and related perinatal mental health difficulties.
http://mothersformothers.co.uk | Support for women and birthing people during pregnancy and until their youngest child attends school. Includes helpline support calls, home visiting, counselling, peer support groups, antenatal support groups, and SEND support.
http://mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression | A Mindful Mums wellbeing group for women from culturally diverse communities. Offers a non-judgemental space for women from different backgrounds to talk freely about their experiences as new mums.
http://mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression | Comprehensive information on perinatal mental health, plus links to local Mind services and peer support groups.
http://pandasfoundation.org.uk | Peer support and resources for parents experiencing perinatal mental illness, including postnatal depression. Run by and for those with lived experience.
http://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org | Campaign and information hub dedicated to improving care for women with perinatal mental health difficulties. Includes a directory of local services.
https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/perinatal/ | Perinatal support during pregnancy and after birth (12 months). Parent-Infant: support for parents or guardians with infants under two and those expecting a baby.
http://nhs.uk | Search your borough name, followed by ‘NHS Talking Therapies', to find your local team, or speak with your GP.
http://counselling-directory.org.uk | A searchable directory to find accredited therapists and counsellors across the UK. Filterable by location, specialism, and budget.
https://budgetingmum.com | Helping families discover creative, practical, and fun ways to save money. Searches the latest deals and freebies so you don't have to.
https://wbg.org.uk | The only UK-wide think tank focused on exploring the economy through a gendered lens and the leading feminist organisation dedicated to the economy.
http://releaseforwomen.org.uk | A women-led community charity specialising in supporting the mental and physical health of women and their families during their most challenging life transitions.
http://mumswhobuild.com | A community app for ambitious mothers focused on financial confidence, careers, and flexible working. Includes events, resources, and a Slack community. Free to download with an optional paid membership.
http://turn2us.org.uk | Benefits calculator and grants search tool to help families find financial support they may be entitled to.
http://gingerbread.org.uk | Expert advice and support for single parents on benefits, work rights, and managing finances as a lone parent.
http://pregnantthenscrewed.com | Advice, legal support, and advocacy for women who have experienced pregnancy or maternity discrimination at work. Also runs the Joeli’s Army community.
http://mumtalks.ie | A safe and supportive network for mums so they know they’re not alone. Mums can learn from experts and check in with others going through the same reality of motherhood.
http://nct.org.uk | National Childbirth Trust. Antenatal classes, postnatal support groups, and a network of local parents.
http://autisticparentsuk.org | Founded in 2020 by autistic parents seeking connection and support. Born from a deep understanding of the unique challenges autistic individuals face while navigating parenthood.
http://rojwomen.org.uk | Non-profit grassroots organisation supporting Kurdish, Turkish, Cypriot Turkish, migrant, and refugee women in London. Provides free advice, advocacy, wellbeing support, and counselling in Turkish, Kurdish, and English.
http://aspnetwork.org.uk | Offers social, emotional, and practical support to build confidence, prevent isolation, and combat the stigma attached to being a single parent in South Asian families. Supports those who are separated, widowed, divorced, single by choice, or living apart.
https://blackandbrownparenting.co.uk/ | Maryam helps Black and Brown mums to break generational cycles. She is a certified, Montessori-trained Muslim parenting coach who supports Black and Brown Muslim mums to parent consciously, heal, and break cycles.
http://home-start.org.uk | Volunteer-led family support. Local Home-Start schemes offer friendship and practical support to families with young children.
http://peanut-app.io | An app-based community for women to meet others at the same life stage, trying to conceive, pregnant, or parenting.
http://themotherhoodgroup.org | A community space specifically for Black mothers, offering events, peer connection, and resources rooted in shared cultural experience.
https://www.amazon.co.uk | Written by GP and media doctor Dr Punam Krishan, The Motherload explores the physical, emotional, and mental load of modern motherhood. Available via bookshops and libraries.
https://open.spotify.com/show/72U26Y4nh9kWMuuXUSroOu | Hosted by Empowerment Coach Dr. Jemma Andrew-Adiamah, this podcast gives mums the space to explore their needs, wants, and desires beyond being a mum. Being a mum and carving out space for your ambitions aren't mutually exclusive.
https://www.audible.com/pd/Rest-Is-Resistance-Audiobook/B09W6BG48H?srsltid=AfmBOoqA_D592xmy4CVZlkKlukhOzdbC3oO3d7J3ycUG7Qiu9ozzAG6u | A call-to-action for anyone suffering from the toxic urgency of modern-day life. It centers around the systemic issues that cause us to overwork and ultimately burn out, and offers liberation through rest. Available via bookshops and libraries.
https://www.audible.com/pd/Mindful-New-Mom-Audiobook/B09RS8PKX4?srsltid=AfmBOoqXJt5OoNHGIJGVDlSJbUpEA1YE3zck_a_r6r8qaoX3LB15aJ1i | From birth to your baby's first steps, this soothing book supports you through the highs and lows of mothering. Offers everyday meditations, visualisations, postnatal yoga, natural remedies, and nutritional advice. Available via bookshops and libraries.
https://www.audible.com/pd/Fair-Play-Audiobook/0593107098 | Fair Play identifies the 100 main tasks in any relationship and divides those tasks fairly so that both parties contribute their fair share. Available via bookshops and libraries.
https://open.spotify.com/show/4yA9PmeNeTnfWzVlsJjXLZ?si=adfa48b53ea44cd8 | Honest conversations about modern motherhood with inspiring leaders who also happen to be mothers. Hosted by Liz Tenety.
https://substack.com/@shakaracarterninarose | Personal writing and reflections shared by a mother from the Mamas Circle community. Recommended by Alria as a resource that mums have found meaningful.
http://drnatashawallace.com | About the real, raw, and often messy reality of navigating motherhood while building a career and a life of your own. Hosted by Dr Natasha Wallace, clinical psychologist and mum, who has overcome postnatal depression and burnout herself.
http://motherkind.co | Zoe Blaskey is a qualified transformational coach, podcast host, and speaker on modern motherhood.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Nobody-Told-This-Before/dp/0241529719 | Accessible guide to understanding emotions and mental health. Frequently recommended in Mama's Circle sessions.
https://www.youtube.com/@SandraIgweOfficial/videos | Conversations on motherhood, identity, culture, and wellbeing, centering the voices of Black and minority ethnic mothers.
https://theworkingmumsclub.co.uk/ | Starting in Deptford, creating spaces on every high street in the UK where mums can thrive personally and professionally while staying on top of family life. Offers high quality childcare, coworking spaces, and community - all under one roof.
https://www.restquiz.com/home-page/ | Take the quick Rest Quiz to reveal your personal Rest Deficit Analysis and learn which of the 7 types of rest you have been missing most.
These resources are here to support you but you don't have to navigate motherhood alone.
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