FRIENDS OF BRECON AND DISTRICT MIND
MUMS MATTER:
Deborah Wilkie talks about a Mind project supporting mums in managing their everyday lives and in nurturing themselves. It will dispel some myths about motherhood.
Wednesday 20 February 2019, The Muse, Glamorgan Street, Brecon, 7pm, £5 (Friends / Members £2)
The Friends of Brecon and District Mind have invited Deborah Wilkie from Brecon and District Mind to talk about the benefits of its Mums Matter programme and the differences it has made to those that have attended. This programme, also being run by Mid-Wales Mind, supports mums in managing their everyday lives as well as in nurturing themselves and helps dispel some of the myths about motherhood.
Although mums do have support from doctors, midwives and health visitors during their journey though the ante-natal and post-natal period of having a baby, there were thirty mums in Peterborough that felt they would, in addition, benefit from a tailored programme. National Mind helped these mums to design one. It supported them through feelings of anxiety, feeling overwhelmed and symptoms of post-natal depression. The programme not only helped them with these feelings but also gave them the opportunity to be with mums having similar experiences. Many women can also struggle to hold on to their identity once becoming a mother.
'This is the first time this type of support and programme has been rolled out in Wales,' explains Deborah, 'and we are delighted that Powys has this great opportunity and is leading the way in Wales.' In Powys there are many rural areas with small towns and villages far apart and accessing baby/toddler groups, or just having another parent to talk to, can prove difficult. This can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and of being alone. They may be the only young family in the area.
'Social media, magazines and television can portray a life that is perfect whilst pregnant and after giving birth and concentrates on images of the ideal ‘perfect’ mum. This programme gives evidence and demonstrates that this is not the reality and we discuss what motherhood is really like for them.' There are many myths about motherhood and these can lead to self-stigmatising behaviour and negative perceptions of one's self-worth.' Mums Matter aims to show these women that they are not alone with these feelings and to provide them with the tools they need to overcome them. The programme also offers a confidential supporter session for partners and significant others.
The Friends support the work of Brecon and District Mind and raise awareness of mental health issues in and around Brecon, Crickhowell, Talgarth and Hay-on-Wye. It is open to everyone and holds talks, walks, social activities and fund-raising events.
Brecon and District Mind, Ty Croeso, St David’s House, 48 Free Street, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7BP / 01874 611529 / info@breconmind.org.uk / www.breconmind.org.uk
Friends of Brecon and District Mind: friends@breconmind.org.uk
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