My friend and I recently attended an event at the Hub and made two visits to the café: one for a coffee on arrival, and then, after the event, we decided to have lunch there.
My friend's dietary requirements were met with 'a smile and not a problem', the food was freshly cooked, very tasty and served at the table. The overall café experience was impressive - well done.
A visitor to the Hub, commenting on their visit to the community café
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 is a time to recognise the emotional and psychological wellbeing of mothers at every stage of pregnancy and early parenthood. While this period can bring joy and excitement, it can also present real challenges that deserve understanding, support, and open conversation.
Mental health difficulties during pregnancy and after birth are more common than many people realise. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and postnatal depression can affect anyone, regardless of background or circumstances. Left unsupported, these challenges can impact not only mothers but also their families and wider support networks. According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RGON, 2017), as many as one in five women develop a mental illness during pregnancy or in the first year after birth. Suicide is a leading cause of maternal deaths in the UK within a year after childbirth. At that time, the RGON found that pregnant women and new mothers had no access to specialist community perinatal mental health services in almost half of the UK.
Healthwatch UK undertook research in 2022 to determine whether there had been any improvement to the mental health support offered during and after pregnancy. Healthwatch UK found that in most cases maternal mental health was either not treated as a priority or not assessed at all. In worst cases, GP’s had dismissed mum’s struggles with her mental health or minimised their experience stating it was ‘normal’.
Raising awareness of maternal mental health helps to:
• Reduce stigma around maternal mental health
• Encourage early intervention and support
• Promote honest conversations about the realities of motherhood
• Ensure no mother feels alone in her experience
Maternal mental health struggles can look different for everyone, but some common signs include:
• Persistent low mood or feelings of sadness
• Anxiety, panic, or constant worry
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
• Changes in sleep or appetite beyond typical newborn adjustments
In the midst of our high-stress society, the quest for effective stress and anxiety management strategies has become paramount. Amidst the myriad of modern solutions, there's a gentle yet profound shift happening: the return to nature's apothecary.
Changing unhealthy habits is never easy; there may be many factors at play, such as a physical ailment, a mood disorder such as depression, or a busy schedule that prevents a person from engaging in healthy practices.
It’s important to think about how you can feel and look better. Not only will this help to boost your physical health, but it will also raise your self-esteem so that you can live your very best life.
