Amplifying Maternal Voices project

The Amplifying Maternal Voices (AMV) project worked in partnership with Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) to spotlight mothers' maternal mental health experiences from seldom-heard communities. As the project draws to a close, we want to share some of the key highlights.  

In pursuit of accessible care for all women and families, we hosted a national conference and learning event in March 2023 to break down barriers and produce an Engagement Toolkit to inspire action at a local level. We have produced an engagement toolkit to inspire action at a local level.

Why do we need the Amplifying Maternal Voices project?

Currently, around one in four women experience mental health problems during pregnancy and during the 24 months after giving birth. Yet 55% of women who report their experience of mental health problems are not referred to services or given any advice about organisations to contact for further help.

How will mothers and professionals benefit from the Amplifying Maternal Voices project?

As a result of the project, women with diverse needs (including young mothers, single mothers and mothers from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities) will be able to influence care and commissioning priorities, and inform workforce development by accessing and using the toolkit. The project will increase knowledge and awareness within perinatal service providers of the impact of inequalities on perinatal outcomes for women, babies and families. 

Our partners

Maternal Mental Health Alliance

As a member of the Alliance, the Foundation is partnering with the Maternal Mental Health Alliance on Amplifying Maternal Voices. Together, we will work towards achieving equal mental healthcare for all pregnant women and new mothers who need support.

Sustainability and growth

This project will ensure that the voice and experience of people from seldom-heard and more vulnerable communities inform the development and scaled uptake of the toolkit. This includes amplifying the voices and experiences of single mothers, young mothers, women from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and women who live with long-term health conditions.

The conference gave the opportunity to explore and understand the barriers to good mental health support that those communities face. It enabled those working in the community to learn and drive change.

Individuals stories

Fatima*, a mother and refugee with experience of maternal mental health problems, said: 

“I didn't take medication because I didn't have the family support and professionals lacked understanding of refugee experience. I would like my shared experience to help with the development of local services for women who do not have any family support.”

* To protect their confidentiality, Fatima is an alias.

Thankfully, where I lived, I could access a lot of helpful services for my anxiety. I also received a lot of parenting support through my health visitor and children’s centre. I know I’m one of the luckier ones and that some people living in other areas don’t receive anywhere near the help they need. This postcode lottery of support needs to end now.
Sapna MMHA Lived Experience Champion

[I share my story] to raise awareness of maternal mental illness and reduce stigma by talking openly about my experience.
Maria – MMHA Lived Experience Champion

I tend to feel pleased that out of my illness and suffering I have done something productive and hopefully beneficial to others. Sometimes I feel quite tired or even a bit raw afterwards, but I’ve never wished I hadn’t done it.
Abi – MMHA Lived Experience Champion

How to get involved

For more information about the project or to find out more about our plans for further work, please contact [email protected] .