A week of storytelling, support and policy action—centred around Black mothers.
This September, The Motherhood Group leads the fifth annual Black Maternal Mental Health Week. Our theme, “Make Black Mothers Visible,” calls for Black mothers to be counted, heard, and supported through culturally competent care. Visibility isn’t symbolic — it restores dignity and improves outcomes in maternal mental health and beyond. Black mothers face higher risks and barriers to care. They are more than twice as likely to be hospitalised with perinatal mental illness than white mothers, making up 12% of admissions despite only 5% of births (The Guardian). One in five did not seek help for depression during or after pregnancy (Mental Health Foundation). Our Black Maternal Mental Health Report highlights the urgent need for systemic change and safe spaces where Black mothers can share their stories, heal, and access trusted support.
Sandra Igwe, Chief Executive at The Motherhood Group, stated,
"As a Black mother who understands the issues with perinatal mental health, I've seen the critical gaps in our system. The Motherhood Group recognises the importance of destigmatising mental health and empowering Black mothers to lead these conversations. We're bridging the divide between our community and healthcare providers, amplifying our voices, and driving real change."
Mental Health & Digital Support (Spotlight on the BlackMums App)
📍 Microsoft Teams NHS x The Motherhood Group Webinar: Mental Health & Digital Support — what culturally competent digital support looks like and how to signpost.
Community-Led Solutions (Black Maternal Health Conference UK – Streamed)
📍 Streamed nationwide Black Maternal Health Conference UK: Community-Led Solutions — story films, models that scale, commissioning pathways. 👉 Watch on Instagram and YouTube
Help shape culturally safe maternal mental healthcare.
Policy Makers & Organisations
Partner to address systemic racism and fund community-led services.
Charities & Grassroots Stakeholders
Co-design events, train professionals, and raise the campaign’s visibility.
Anyone ready to centre Black mothers and improve care pathways
Make a change whereever you are
What to Expect
Daily themes
A week of storytelling, lived-experience panels, web-based events, interactive workshops.
A short community-led film.
Digital campaign assets (graphics, social toolkit).
Opportunities to influence policy and service delivery.
Attend Our Events
Be part of the week: from the launch on Monday to mid-week digital support sessions and end-of-week community programming. Register, bring your team, and share your learnings across your networks.
Our Impact
The Motherhood Group has supported over 18,000 Black mothers across the UK, building trusted, culturally competent routes into counselling, peer support, and community programmes. The work continues year-round through our platforms, training, research, and partnerships.
Get Involved
Download the Toolkit
Social graphics, daily themes, and the Advocacy & Partner Brief to help you share and host.
Download the BlackMums App
Culturally competent support with peer-matching, counselling, group therapy, and classes — signpost it widely.
Commission Our Training
Book The Motherhood Group to deliver cultural competency training for maternity, perinatal mental health, and frontline teams.
Donate
Fund counselling sessions, group therapy, mother-story films, and community programmes.
Host & Amplify
Run your own awareness webinar or staff session; platform mother voices; share posts using #BMMHW25 and #BMMHWUK; tag @TheMotherhoodGroup.
MONDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER
Why Black Maternal Mental Health Matters
We explored disparities in maternal mental health outcomes for Black mothers, discussing societal and systemic factors. Join in discussions that highlight why this awareness week is crucial for addressing these issues and promoting change.
This day focuses on addressing stigma and barriers to mental health support in the Black community. We'll examine cultural attitudes, accessibility issues, and strategies to encourage open conversations about maternal mental health.
We'll examine the impact of traumatic birth experiences and pregnancy loss on Black women's mental health. Discussions will cover the unique challenges faced, the importance of culturally sensitive care, and healing strategies.
Launching Black Child Mental Health Day, we'll explore the link between Black maternal mental health and children's mental health. We'll discuss unique challenges faced by Black children, preventative measures, and how maternal wellbeing from pregnancy onwards impacts a child's mental health.
This day highlights the importance of community support and allyship in promoting Black maternal mental health. We'll explore the power of peer support, mentorship programmes, and community initiatives in creating safe spaces for Black mothers.
SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER
Reflecting on the Journey
We'll recap key themes and insights from the week, encouraging participants to share their learnings and commitments to supporting Black maternal and child mental health.
SUNDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER
Moving Forward
On our final day, we'll discuss strategies for systemic change and empowerment of Black mothers and children. We'll explore policy reforms, increased funding for mental health resources, and the importance of self-advocacy and activism.
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