New research partnership to shape the future of mental healthcare for Black mothers

The Motherhood Group is leading a new research project with support from Centre for Mental Health and the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) to better understand and advocate for the mental health needs of Black mothers across the UK.

This project will elevate Black mothers' voices on barriers to quality mental healthcare and inform a landmark report highlighting systemic gaps, informing community-led solutions, and driving systemic change toward equitable, culturally competent care.

With a focus on the lived experiences of Black mothers, the project will address:

1. Black mothers' experiences with current support systems
2. Barriers to accessing mental health services
3. Cultural factors influencing maternal mental health experiences
4. Healthcare practitioners' cultural awareness and responsiveness

Combining expertise in grassroots service delivery, policy, and research, the collective will explore:

• Effectiveness of mental health support spaces, with a focus on peer support models and community engagement
• Cultural responsiveness in healthcare, including appropriate resources, assessment approaches, and support pathways
• Trust-building between Black mothers and healthcare providers, including community-based partnerships
• Perinatal mental healthcare, looking at cultural competency, gaps and opportunities for service improvements
• Systemic barriers and how to overcome them.

The goal is to examine current rhetoric and create meaningful change in legislation, policy and practice to ensure Black mothers and their families receive the respectful and inclusive mental health support they deserve.