Report from the Supporting Women, Reducing Stigma Conference published
The Women's Resource and Development Agency’s Maternal Advocacy & Support Project (Mas), proudly presents the findings from the "Supporting Women, Reducing Stigma" conference held during Maternal Mental Health Week 2025. This event aimed to highlight the importance of early intervention and trauma-informed support in maternal mental health. We are grateful to all of our speakers and participants without whom this report would not have been possible.
Read the report here.
Key Highlights:
Conference Overview:
The conference featured contributions from notable figures, including the Commissioner for Children & Young People, multidisciplinary teams from GP surgeries, and the Belfast Trust perinatal mental health team. Discussions emphasized the significance of a trauma-informed approach and early intervention in maternal mental health.
Challenges in Maternal Mental Health:
Participants identified stigma, judgment, fear, and concerns about child removal as major barriers preventing women from disclosing maternal mental health struggles. Participants reported that past negative experiences with healthcare professionals also hindered help seeking.
Recommendations for Support:
The need for a holistic, empathetic, and community-driven approach to support women and their families was underscored. Key recommendations included better funding for support services, education and awareness campaigns, and the establishment of a mother and baby unit for acute maternal mental health needs.
Community and Voluntary Sector Involvement:
The conference highlighted the crucial role of community and voluntary sector initiatives in providing peer support and how helpful this model has been. Collaboration between statutory and voluntary services was deemed essential for effective support.
About The Mas Project: The Mas Project is dedicated to supporting maternal mental health through early intervention, peer support, and advocacy. By fostering a supportive community and reducing stigma, the project aims to improve outcomes for mothers and their families.
For more information, please contact: Clare Anderson clare.anderson@wrda.net
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