Black Maternal Mental Health Week 2025: Make Black Mothers Visable
Maternal mental health is a struggle many new mothers face, but for Black women in the UK, the challenges are even greater. Black Maternal Mental Health Week exists to shine a light on these inequalities and call for change.
Between 2020 and 2023, there were 777 NHS hospital admissions for severe mental health conditions that occur after childbirth.
- Black women made up 12% of these admissions, despite accounting for only 5% of births.
- This means Black mothers are more than twice as likely to be hospitalised with perinatal mental illness compared to white mothers.
Research also shows that 1 in 5 Black mothers did not seek professional help when struggling with depression or low mood during or after pregnancy. Many report feelings of stigma, fear of judgement, or a lack of trust in healthcare systems.
Find out more about Black Maternal Mental Health Week
Why This Matters
Black women in the UK are already disproportionately affected by poor maternal health outcomes, with studies showing they are almost four times more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth compared to white women.
Mental health is an added, often overlooked layer of this inequality. The reasons are complex but clear:
- Systemic racism and discrimination within healthcare.
- Stigma and cultural barriers around mental health.
- Limited access to culturally sensitive care, leaving many mothers feeling unseen or misunderstood.
- Fear of being dismissed or judged, preventing women from seeking help early.
These disparities are not just numbers – they represent real lives and real struggles that deserve attention.
What Needs to Change
Black Maternal Mental Health Week is about more than awareness – it’s about action. To reduce these inequalities, we need to:
- Improve access to culturally competent, trauma-informed care.
- Create safe spaces where Black mothers feel heard and supported.
- Invest in research that addresses the specific needs and experiences of Black mothers.
- Challenge the stigma around maternal mental health and make it easier for women to seek help without fear.
How Peer Support Can Help
Peer support is more than just a conversation — it’s a lifeline for many parents and families. Here’s how it makes a difference:
Reducing Stigma
Talking openly with someone who has “been there” helps break down shame and silence around mental health.
Building Trusting Relationships
Shared experiences create bonds where parents feel understood, not judged. This trust can make it easier to ask for help.
Creating Safe Spaces
Peer support offers a non-clinical, welcoming environment where parents can be honest about their struggles and find comfort in community.
Advocacy
Peers can help parents navigate services, amplify their voices, and push for better, more culturally sensitive support.
Improving Emotional Wellbeing
Talking to someone who truly gets it can make all the difference. Peer support reduces isolation and validates your feelings, reminding you that you’re not alone. Your peer supporter will work alongside you to explore what matters most, set personal goals, and celebrate the small and big wins together. This journey helps build your confidence as parent, can ease anxiety, and empower you to make informed decisions.
Click here to read more about peer support and how Parents 1st can help you
How You Can Help
- Spread awareness by sharing resources and statistics.
- Challenge stigma in conversations about maternal mental health.
- Support change by calling for equity in healthcare policies and services.
- Listen and amplify the voices of Black mothers who share their experiences.
Final Thought
Black Maternal Mental Health Week highlights a reality we can no longer ignore: Black mothers are facing higher risks, greater stigma, and poorer outcomes when it comes to their mental health. Change is not optional – it is urgent.
Because every mother deserves to feel safe, supported, and heard. 💜
Resources
Organisations for Support & Advocacy
In Essex
- B3: Births, Bump and Belonging- a peer support organisation that supports African, Caribbean and mixed heritage parents in Clacton, Basildon and Thurrock with all things related to pregnancy, birth and parenting.
National
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The Motherhood Group – Advocates for Black maternal mental health through peer support, the Blackmums App, and culturally sensitive antenatal programs.
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FIVEXMORE – Campaigning to improve Black maternal health, including the Black Maternity Experiences Report and Black Maternal Health Week.
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Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) – Amplifying voices of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic women in perinatal services through projects like Amplifying Maternal Voices.
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NSPCC Learning – Offers inclusive support through services like Pregnancy in Mind, plus resources on challenges faced by Black mothers.
Digital Peer Support
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Blackmums App – Created by The Motherhood Group, this free app provides a safe space for Black mothers with peer-to-peer support sessions.
NHS & Community Resources
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Your GP – First step for any mental health concerns, with referrals to specialist services.
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Local Talking Therapies – Free NHS services for anxiety, depression, and more.
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Perinatal Services – Specialist NHS care available via referral from a healthcare professional.
Informational & Research Resources
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Centre for Mental Health – Partners with The Motherhood Group to highlight systemic barriers in Black maternal mental health.
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Mental Health Foundation – Provides insights into the experiences of women from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.
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Race Equality Foundation – Addresses structural racism in healthcare and shares evidence-based recommendations to reduce inequalities.