Christian charity fears for struggling mums amid funding cuts

Christian charity launches Mother’s Day campaign amid fears funding cuts could leave vulnerable moms without support

A Christian Birmingham charity supporting parents with prenatal and postnatal depression has launched a latest campaign ahead of Mother’s Day on March 15, warning that funding cuts could leave vulnerable moms without vital support.

Acacia Family Support is appealing for donations through its campaign ‘Motherhood – Not What You Expected?’ after losing a significant slice of its funding.

Established in 2003 by Emma Borg and Rachel Gregory, two moms who’ve themselves experienced perinatal mental health issues, Acacia Family Support now assists a whole bunch of oldsters in Birmingham annually.

The organisation says reductions in NHS funding alongside falling donations and grant income have created a £150,000 shortfall, amounting to around 20% of its annual budget.

The charity fears that without urgent financial support, some moms experiencing pregnancy-related mental health problems may struggle to access early help.

Acacia’s acting director, Becky Douglas-Jones, said the campaign goals to spotlight the realities many ladies face while pregnant and early motherhood – experiences which are often hidden behind idealised portrayals online and in public celebrations.

“Mother’s Day is framed as a festivity of motherhood, but the truth is different for many ladies,” she said.

“One in 4 moms experience anxiety, depression or other serious mental health problems while pregnant or after the birth.

“When they see images of other people’s perfect Mother’s Day, it amplifies the guilt, shame and inadequacy they feel because they’re struggling to bond with their baby.”

As a part of the campaign, five short videos are being shared on social media within the run-up to Mother’s Day 2026.

Each video incorporates a mother who has received support from Acacia and shares her personal experience, covering issues equivalent to isolation, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

The campaign also seeks to lift awareness of the importance of early intervention in perinatal mental health.

According to Acacia’s head of fundraising, Vicki Hook, the charity’s services often prevent problems from escalating into crisis.

“Birmingham has the second-highest variety of instances of perinatal mental health conditions within the country,” she said. “If we will’t replace these funds, many moms won’t get that preventative service when prompt treatment is so essential.”

She added that the initial 1,001 days of a baby’s life – from pregnancy through the primary two years – are pivotal for development.

“We know that children of oldsters who experience mental health issues at this stage usually tend to struggle with their very own social and emotional development,” she stated. “They’re [new mothers] so vulnerable during that period and things can escalate really quickly. Suicide is the leading reason behind death in the primary yr after pregnancy.”

Among those supporting the campaign is Emma Elmas, a mother of three from Cofton Hackett, who said the charity’s support helped her through some of the difficult periods of her life.

Elmas said she struggled with overwhelming emotional distress after becoming a mother, at times experiencing suicidal thoughts.

“I began self-harming because I needed control,” she shared. “And I considered committing suicide – not because I didn’t love my children, but because I could not cope.”

She continued: “That’s not something you’ll be able to burden your husband or mum with, but I had Acacia. I used to be in a position to talk freely, without judgement. Without Acacia, I wouldn’t be here today and my children wouldn’t have a mother. I owe them every little thing.”

Acacia works alongside NHS services and infrequently receives referrals for moms who require more immediate or specialised support than is obtainable through public healthcare alone.

Its services include one-to-one sessions, group programmes and a crèche so parents can attend support appointments while their children are cared for.

Ms Douglas-Jones said the charity’s approach helps moms feel secure enough to talk truthfully about their struggles.

She highlighted that many moms are afraid to confess that they’re struggling due to a misplaced fear that social services might remove their baby.

However, she explained that the charity provides a supportive, non-judgemental environment where women can speak openly about how they’re feeling.

“Acacia has a gorgeous family feel, offering kindness, hope, care and gentleness,” she said. “Our mums feel welcome; they feel included; they feel special and vital.

“We’re a neighborhood charity. We’re here for Brummie families, supported by local volunteers and staff who’ve been through perinatal mental health problems themselves and are motivated to go the additional mile.”