Fears over paused mums' mental health group

The MUMS group petition said the number of women who regularly attended was "a testament to its importance"

Members of a group for new and expectant mothers have said they feel "lost" and "isolated" after a mental health support group they used was suspended over the summer.

The MUMS (Mums Understanding Mums) group, run weekly by Barnsley NHS Hospital Trust, helps women who suffer from anxiety, mood swings, isolation and low confidence.

More than 300 people have signed a petition calling for the service to be protected, fearing the temporary break could lead to longer-term disruption.

A Barnsley Hospital spokesperson, who confirmed the group was not currently running, said: "During this time, the hospital is directing people to alternative support services."

The MUMS group, based at the Lightbox in the town centre, was described by parents as a "lifeline", which alongside mental health and midwife support, provided a space to make friends.

The petition states the permanent loss of the group would leave "a significant gap in care that no other local service currently fills".

It describes the group as a "vital early-intervention service", reducing the need for more complex NHS support by tackling mental health issues at the root.

The group, led by mental-health-trained midwives, is used by women from early pregnancy to six months postnatal

"I wouldn't have survived without the group," said one mother whose second child was born in 2024.

"The support I received helped me become the confident mum I am today. I honestly don't know where I'd be without it."

Another group member said she felt "isolated" and "a bit lost" without the group.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the group, which has been paused due to staff sickness, is led by mental health-trained midwives.

A hospital spokesperson said group members were being signposted to alternative sources of support, including women's named midwives, GPs, health visitors, Barnsley Family Hubs and Barnsley Talking Therapies, via social media.

The spokesperson added: "We thank people for their understanding and would encourage them to follow updates on our social media about when the group will resume."

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