The Holburne Museum in Bath is launching the next phase of its programme to support new mums struggling with their mental health, in and around Bath and Wiltshire.
The New Mums’ Sanctuary offers a warm, supported, non-judgmental space to come together with other new mums and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gentle craft-based activity while the babies enjoy sensory play.
The group is aimed at new mums who are experiencing mild to moderate post-natal mental health issues and/ or feeling isolated. It will be facilitated by experienced early years arts practitioners Skylarks Creativity, with support from a project worker with an understanding of peri-natal mental health.
In addition to encouraging connection between mums and using creativity to support wellbeing, the group will introduce new mums to the museum, as a space to enjoy with their babies.
This follows the successful pilot programme last year, which supported 10 mums. Participants created sensory bags for their babies and found the group to be an extremely supportive experience. Participants commented:
“I looked forward to Monday afternoons as I felt so looked after. The space is so safe and nurturing.”
“It went beyond my expectations. I have been given a new hobby that I love!”
Sophie Williams-Brown, Assistant Manager of the Pathways to Wellbeing programme, explained, “We understand that early motherhood can be a difficult, daunting and incredibly lonely time. Our hope with New Mums’ Sanctuary is to offer new mums a space where they can feel welcome and cared for – where they can drink tea, chat, make, and have time to just ‘be’, alongside people who understand what they’re experiencing.
“The group is for any new mum (and their pre-crawling baby) who feels they would benefit from a gentle supported creative group. No creative experience or skills required!”
The group will run for six weeks on Monday afternoons between 3 June and 8 July. There are up to 10 spaces available.
Anyone interested in taking part can self-refer or ask their health professional (midwife, health visitor or GP) or support organisation to refer them, using the online form.
For more information or to discuss an application, please contact Sophie Williams-Brown, Pathways to Wellbeing Assistant Manager, at email hidden; JavaScript is required.