Women in Bloom event shines spotlight on mental health for mums

An event to raise awareness of mental health during pregnancy and for new mums will take place in Salford later this month.

Women in Bloom Superhero Day takes place at the Angel Centre in Islington on Saturday, 27 October and aims to encourage positive mental health and wellbeing and celebrate superhero mums.

The event, which is being supported by Salix Homes, has been organised by award-winning social enterprise Visit from the Stork CIC in partnership with community project B.O.O.B.S (Be Open on Breastfeeding Salford).

Visitors can look forward to a range of activities promoting fun, relaxation and awareness of issues surrounding parenthood and mental health, including mindfulness sessions and massages.

Organiser Kimberly Bond, managing director of Visit from the Stork CIC, said: “As a social enterprise we help parents tackle taboo subjects, and perinatal mental health is a very important subject to be aware of and talk about.

“20 percent of women are affected by mental illness either during pregnancy or in the 12 months after giving birth. This includes postnatal depression, post-traumatic stress disorder from traumatic birth, or the stress that comes with caring for an ill baby. It is vital that women have the support they need to get through this period.

“Women in Bloom aims to bring together local mums from all backgrounds, connect them with services and organisations they need in the local community, and give them a great day out with some treats for themselves and their families.

“It’s hoped that the activities we’ve got planned will help relieve parents’ mental load, teach them strategies to cope with stress, and allow them to relax for five minutes.”

Salix Homes has awarded the project £900 through its Springboard community fund, which provides funding for local groups and initiatives that boost community spirit, promote health and wellbeing, reduce isolation or improve the environment.

Jeanette Green, neighbourhood manager for Salix Homes, said: “Salix Homes is very proud to be supporting such a valuable resource for Salford’s parents. Parental mental health is all too easily overlooked and this event will go some way to addressing this important issue.”

The Women in Bloom event is aimed at parents and families with babies and under 5s. Tickets start from £8 for adults and £18 for a family ticket, and include classes for babies and toddlers.

Tickets can be bought from Eventbrite or via the Facebook event page.