Mental health group for new mothers brings 'hope'

A woman whose daughter took her own life and that of her newborn baby, has said mental health groups for mothers brought her "hope".

Rachel Fortune's daughter Charlotte Bevan, 30, was found dead in December 2014 after walking out of St Michael's Hospital in Bristol carrying her baby daughter.

Ms Fortune has praised the bravery of women at the Bristol-based Mothers for Mothers outreach group on a visit there, saying their experiences "reminded me of the things Charlotte was going through".

"[The mothers] have been so brave because they sought help, they've admitted that they're having difficulties - whatever they may be - and they've reached out," she said.

Ms Bevan suffered complex mental health conditions from the age of 15, including schizophrenia, depression and periods of paranoid psychosis.

An inquest heard her care had not been overseen by a lead clinician, and on the day of her death she was able to walk out of the hospital unchallenged in freezing temperatures wearing inappropriate clothing.

Ms Fortune told the BBC that the 10 years since her daughter's death had been "difficult", but said she focused on having "hope in my heart for the future and for young mothers".

Ms Bevan had no involvement with Mothers for Mothers at any point, but her mother said during a visit there last Friday that she found it "invigorating" to know help was out there for others who are suffering.

"I can see what Mothers for Mothers is doing. That definitely brings me hope.

"That room is full of hope," she said.

Ms Fortune added that the UK needed "more groups like this".

Mothers for Mothers was founded in 1981 as a telephone helpline and has evolved to offer psychotherapy and counselling as well as peer support groups for mothers suffering post-natal depression.

But the charity said it faces growing demand for support in a challenging fundraising environment and warned it may have to close some of its services.

Last year, it worked with 740 people - a 12% increase on the year before.

Kaeti Morrison, the charity's business manager, said the rise had been driven by greater awareness of mental health problems but also factors such as the closure of services elsewhere, the cost-of-living crisis and social isolation.

At the same time, many grant-making bodies are closing and government departments are being asked to make savings, she said.

Ms Morrison warned the the group's drop-in sessions in Patchway may have to close if funding cannot be found before the end of March.

Sessions held elsewhere in Bristol and South Gloucestershire will continue, but it can be challenging for some women to reach them if they do not drive and are not confident taking public transport, Ms Morrison said.

"It's a real struggle for us," she added.

Zoe, who used the group before joining it as a volunteer, described the charity as "a lifeline" when she was suffering post-natal depression following the birth of her son during lockdown.

She said it was a "real effort" to go to a Mothers for Mothers meet up.

"I hadn't left the house on my own or driven or anything but I was going to do this," she said.

"There were these lovely ladies in purple tops and they just came over and welcomed me.

"I was shaking like a leaf and they just scooped me up and from that moment onwards I found people who were going to help me."

Group co-ordinator Nixie McAllister said "women change hugely" after joining Mothers for Mothers.

She said there were often a lot of tears at meet-ups, but over time staff see "an inner confidence growing".

"I think women go through a process of acceptance," she said.

• If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can find advice by visiting the BBC Action Line.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.