Becoming a mum is wonderful but it can be tough – so to support new and expectant parents, postboxes for people to send words of encouragement are popping up across the UK.
The red postboxes are part of a national campaign launched by experience gift company Red Letter Days, maternal mental health charity PANDAS and mums social network Mush, to support and empower new mums who might be feeling isolated in the early days of motherhood.
With 1 in 5 new mothers experiencing pre- or postnatal mental health problems, the #HeyMum initiative encourages mums across the country to send words of support and solidarity to expectant and new mothers for Mother’s Day, on 22 March.
The idea is that you post your card with an unsealed envelope in one of twenty bespoke postboxes across the UK and the cards will then be sent to new and expectant mums on Mother’s Day.
You can include your name, age and location and some details about your family if you wish.
All cards will be vetted before they sent so keep the message positive and appropriate.
Alison Vickery, Marketing Director at Red Letter Days, said: ‘Becoming a Mother is an exciting and joyful occasion but it’s also incredibly common for new mothers to feel isolated, anxious or lonely.
‘The number of women suffering from perinatal illness is something we need to speak more openly about. We therefore want to use this Mother’s Day – which will be a first for many – to raise awareness, build connections and empower new mums with support and encouragement.
‘We’re encouraging mums who have experienced the pressures, highs and lows of motherhood to write a heartwarming message to another mother who is just starting out on their parenting journey.
‘Your act of solidarity could make a huge difference to your fellow mum’s day, week, month and maybe even their year; and will remind them that they’re doing a fantastic job and are far from alone.’
Annie Belasco, Head of Charity at PANDAS Foundation added: ‘The PANDAS Foundation exists to support and advise any parents who are experiencing perinatal mental illness.
‘We work to guide, inform and support sufferers and their families and ensure that nobody feels alone. We offer a free helpline, as well as dedicated support groups across the UK.
‘We’re really excited to be partnered with Red Letter Days on their Mother’s Day campaign this year, as it’s so important to talk about perinatal illness in the mainstream and remind parents that it’s okay not to be okay when you have a new baby.
‘The common narrative is that this should be the happiest time in a woman’s life; but the reality is less glamorous. Perinatal illness is more common than many realise; and struggling with your mental health doesn’t make you a bad mother. Far from it.’
Where to find the Mother’s Day postboxes
- Biscuiteers, 13 Northcote Rd, London SW11 1NG
- Stanfords, 7 Mercer Walk, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9FA
- Cuckooz Nest, 24 Ray St, Farringdon, London EC1R 3DJ
- Stepney City Farm, Stepney Way, Stepney Green, London E1 3DG
- Pickled Pepper Pot Books, 10 Middle Ln, Crouch End, London N8 8PL
- BOXPARK Croydon, 99 George St, Croydon CR0 1LD
- BOXPARK Wembley, 18 Olympic Way, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 0JT
- Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip St, Bristol, BS3 4EA
- Bristol Aquarium, Anchor Rd, Bristol BS1 5TT
- Jubilee Library, Jubilee St, Brighton, BN1 1GE
- Brighton Women’s Centre, 22 Richmond Pl, Brighton BN2 9NA
- Cardiff Central Library Hub, The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1FL
- Canton Library, 4 Library St, Cardiff CF5 1QD
- Penylan Library and Community Centre, Pen-Y-Lan Rd, Cardiff CF23 5HW
- Wigwam Coffee Shop, 70 Rose Ln, Liverpool L18 8AG
- Victoria Gallery & Museum, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3DR
- Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley St, Manchester, M2 3JL
- Mama Sanctuary, 1 Prince’s St, Stockport SK1 1SL
- Magna Science Adventure Centre, Magna Way, Rotherham, S60 1FD
- Eureka! National Children’s Museum, Discovery Rd, Halifax, HX1 2NE
- Museum of Childhood, 42 High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1TG
- RedBox Marchmont, 2-6 Spottiswoode Rd, Edinburgh EH9 1BQ
- Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH
- The Maple Tree Children & Family Centre, Littleworth Road, Wheately, Oxford, OX33 1NW
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