South-East London Charity Supports Young Mothers’ Well-being

A charity located in south-east London, established with initial funding from BBC Children In Need, is providing assistance to young mothers who are dealing with mental health challenges. This organization, MumsAid, a mental health charity known for its specialist counselling services, launched Young MumsAid a decade ago specifically to offer support to teenage mothers and their infants. Kelly Jordan, a representative of the charity, states that Young MumsAid endeavors to offer beneficiaries “a different life to the one they’ve had”. Tyler, who gave birth to her son at the age of 17 during the Covid lockdowns, remarked that the regular sessions “reduce being alone, especially being a young mum – it’s really hard”. During the charity’s recurring stay-and-play session, Hazael, 22 months old, is observed stomping and roaring like dinosaurs around a tray filled with squidgy shower gel. Concurrently, three-year-old Eddie is bouncing on a small trampoline, while two-year-old Jordan propels a mini-pram across the courtyard. The mothers participate in the activities or engage in hushed conversations with the charity staff and volunteers present at these gatherings. The majority of these mothers are referred to the organization by midwives, social workers, or other healthcare professionals. They frequently reside in inadequate or unstable housing conditions, and a significant number have encountered various hardships throughout their lives. Kelly, the charity’s advocacy worker, clarified, “The majority of the girls we work with are struggling with their mental health. The majority have been through trauma themselves.” She further indicated that the primary needs of these women are typically “someone to be kind” and “a safe space where they can go, without judgement for a bit of advice”. Consequently, the charity delivers specialized assistance to pregnant young women and new mothers, up to 21 years of age, aiming to provide them and their infants with optimal life opportunities. Lacey briefly left the stay-and-play session to speak with us, entrusting her son Jordan to Kelly and the rest of the team. She stated, “Everyone has different reasons for coming to the group but we’re all based around mental health and therapy and if we need to talk, Kelly’s there. Or I feel like the other young mums understand what you’re going through because they’re going through it as well.” Shortly after, Jordan approached, distressed at being separated from his mother. Lacey comforted him by holding him on her lap, alongside one-month-old baby Finley, to calm his crying. Savarnah has received assistance from Young MumsAid for two years, ever since the birth of her daughter, Zolani. She commented, “Therapy with MumsAid was a big part that helped me process what I was going through. Because I was going through 101 things at the same time, while caring for a baby.” She then added, “I love being a mum,” as Zolani approached for an embrace. The funding from BBC Children In Need, provided a decade ago, enabled MumsAid to establish an advocacy service specifically for young mothers. Kelly stated, “What the counsellors realised is that the young girls could not fully move forward in their therapeutic journey because they needed practical help. “One of them didn’t have a washing machine, they didn’t have anywhere to live – so it was very hard to emotionally and therapeutically move forward without someone practically helping.” Heather has received guidance from the charity on numerous matters since she became a mother. She remarked, “They go the extra mile. They literally go above and beyond.” She continued, “This young mum’s group has been amazing – they’ve just done everything.” Seven-month-old Nakiyah-Rose seemed to concur, smiling and cooing during our conversation. The charity’s ultimate objective is to interrupt cycles of generational trauma and enhance the life prospects of these children. It provides continuous assistance throughout the children’s early developmental stages. The mothers frequently discuss pursuing further education and ultimately securing employment that accommodates childcare needs or expenses. The support system offered by Young MumsAid equips them with a strong foundation for this progression. For more content, listeners can access the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.