Maternal mental health programme Project Matrescence has secured a three-year funding deal following a successful pilot in 2024.

Aimed at supporting all new mothers six to 12 months post-partum as they navigate becoming a mum (matrescence), the therapeutic community group and creche can now commit to supporting Warwickshire families until at least 2028.

Funded by Guiding Light Investments and supported by The Parenting Project, Project Matrescence aims to promote and facilitate good mental health, whilst providing preventative interventions for mums.

"Becoming a mother, or matrescence, is a unique time of change in a person's life, affecting every part of their experience; physical, psychological, social, economic and existential" explained Helen Davies, psychotherapist and Project Matrescence lead.

"Mothers can feel unprepared for this impact due to a lack of information, support, stigma, or idealised notions of motherhood.

"We know that community support, psychoeducation, open and shared conversations around the realities of motherhood, and its individual impact, are incredibly helpful.

"These interventions can proactively diminish feelings of isolation and failure which can compound an already challenging time."

Project Matrescence is a six-week programme providing a safe, supportive space for mothers in matrescence (the transition to becoming a mother).

Participants are invited to explore, with self and other mothers, the impact becoming a mother has had on their identity, relationships and emotions helping to develop awareness and tools to support them during this major life transition.

Groups are limited to 12 participants, and creative exploration and expression through themed group discussions and activities such as clay-work, drawing, collage, journalling and poetry is encouraged.

The group is intended to be a therapeutic mother-centric space, therefore a free onsite creche will be provided for those who might find childcare a barrier to accessing the support.

Elaine Johnston, CEO, The Parenting Project added: "We are delighted to be involved in a programme which focuses on active promotion and preventative interventions for mothers.

"Both promotion and prevention can reduce physical and psychological distress and maintain human and financial resources for individuals, families, the health system and beyond. We're incredibly grateful to Guiding Light Investments for giving us this opportunity."

The support of Guiding Light Investments and The Parenting Project will enable Project Matrescence to support over 200 local mothers and their families across three years.

Project Matrescence aims to run six groups annually and for free in various locations around Warwickshire including Kenilworth, Stratford, Rugby, Nuneaton, Bedworth, Leamington Spa and Warwick.