This is a message for all ‘our mums’, their families and our supporters. The events of the last few weeks, since the senseless and racist killing of George Floyd, have led us to reflect deeply at MumsAid, on the impact of systemic racism and what more we can do to stand against it. MumsAid is an organisation that stands against all forms of discrimination, prejudice and intimidation and we are dedicated to removing the barriers that prevent women from seeking help. We know that black women are 5 times more likely to die in childbirth in the UK and go on to face many barriers to accessing support with their perinatal mental health. We are proud to be working with, and supporting, women from a huge diversity of backgrounds and stand with our BAME women and their families in the aftermath of this tragedy.
We know racism has a devastating effect on mental health and wellbeing and that racism can happen anywhere, including at work, online and in the home. MumsAid is committed to providing counselling and wellbeing services to all mothers and pregnant women during the pandemic and beyond. We commit to doing more to raise awareness of the barriers that BAME mothers face when they seek support and to continue striving to ensure that all mothers can access the mental health support they need.
We know there is more we can do, and we commit to listening and learning, in particular to our BAME families, and to making change happen where we have the power or influence to do so. Now is the time for brave conversations, maintaining focus and momentum, and making lasting changes to end the inequalities faced by black communities and all minority groups in the UK.
If you have been affected by this tragedy and would like to talk to someone, or if you are being discriminated against or intimidated, please know that we are here for you.