Maternal mental health charity Frome Birth Talk (FBT) is celebrating a £97,000 multi-year grant from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The five-year funding protects the future of the charity's free professional counselling service for pregnant women and new mothers, as well as its social groups, exercise classes and wellbeing activities. All the charity's activities are geared to improving maternal mental health and promoting friendships and support networks at a time when at least one in five women experiences anxiety and depression.

Trustee Lucy McMahon said:

"From small beginnings in 2017, our counselling service now supports around 60 women every year. We're really passionate about the value of the counselling, but FBT is about even more than that. Our groups and activities have brought about a thriving and supportive community of mums, whose energy and enthusiasm are undoubtedly the reason we've been able to get to where we are in such a short time. Our members will help us spend this amazing funding on the things that matter, so we can keep supporting women at what can be an intense, exhausting and vulnerable time as well as a joyful one."

Trustee Suzy Cristinacce said:

"It's hard to explain just what a game-changer this is. In the few years since the charity was set up, we (a group of mums putting in hours for free alongside work, childcare, illness etc) have scrabbled around for grants, begged, pleaded and literally waded through mud to get money together. The fact that this vital service is now secure for five years is incredible. We can now consolidate and expand further, ensuring that even more families in Frome get the support they need. I'm unbelievably proud of our members and trustees - amazing what can be achieved by a group of strong and determined women!"

To refer yourself for Frome Birth Talk's free professional counselling service for pregnant women, new mothers and those who have experienced miscarriage and baby loss, email [email protected].

All FBT's services usually operate at Frome Community Hospital, thanks to the support of the Friends of Frome Hospital. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the counselling service and classes are currently operating remotely. Please follow Frome Birth Talk on Facebook for updates and new activities.