Pregnancy and parenthood are often portrayed as magical, joyous times filled with love, baby giggles, and cuddly moments. But the reality? It can also be overwhelming, emotional, and isolating – especially when you’re struggling with your mental health.
At CPSL Mind, we understand that becoming a parent can be just as challenging as it is rewarding. That’s why we offer a range of perinatal mental health services across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire, providing vital support to parents during pregnancy and up to two years after birth.
Sam’s Story: “They were there when I needed it the most”
Sam is a mum of three – stepdaughter Zara (17), son Henry (6), and baby Emily (6 months). When Emily was born early and unexpectedly, things quickly spiralled.
“The birth was traumatic, and although Emily was ok, I really wasn’t. I didn’t feel mentally right at all. I self-referred for mental health support, but was told the waiting list was long. I felt so alone.”
It was through this moment of need that Sam found CPSL Mind’s Perinatal Service.
“I filled in the form and within a day, I got a call from Alex on the team (Perinatal Administration Assistant). She was so kind, calm and reassuring – it felt like someone finally understood. It can be scary talking about mental health and admitting you’re having a bit of a wobble, but she put me right at ease from the get-go. She was so lovely and talked me through the Mindful Mum’s drop-in sessions and the Mum’s Matter course. The fact that it was all fully funded was such a huge relief. I remember thinking, “This is the help I’ve been so desperately looking for.”
What made the biggest difference for Sam was the personal and thoughtful approach CPSL Mind offers.
“Before your first session, someone calls you and even meets you at the door, so you never have to walk in alone. That might seem small, but when you’re at rock bottom, it’s massive.”
She quickly found her rhythm with the service – attending the Mindful Mums Group and completing the Mum’s Matter course.
“It honestly changed my life. The facilitators are amazing; they just get it! They’re so down to earth and honest about their own struggles too. Katy, one of the Perinatal Project Workers, is like a big sister. You feel safe to open up, cry, laugh, and share without any fear of being judged. They really make you feel that you’re not alone in this, and it’s such a welcoming and warming space.”
But the impact wasn’t just short term.
“I made real friends through these sessions. Lifelong connections. We check in on each other, we share the hard days and the good ones. Some days, I truly don’t know how I’d get through motherhood without this community.”
Now that Sam is in a better place, she’s passionate about giving back.
“I still attend the drop-ins, and now I’m also planning to volunteer with CPSL Mind’s perinatal service. I tell every new mum I meet about it. I want other women to know they’re not alone and that there is real, genuine help out there.”
You’re Not Alone – And You Don’t Have to Struggle in Silence
At CPSL Mind, we’re here to support you through every step of your perinatal journey. Whether you need a space to connect with others, a course to rebuild confidence, or simply a friendly face who gets it, we’ve got your back.
To learn more about our Perinatal Services or to refer yourself, visit:
Supporting You Through Parenthood | CPSL Mind
Because no parent should ever feel like they have to go it alone.
About our Perinatal Services:
Mindful Mums: Building Connection and Confidence
Our Mindful Mums groups are a safe and supportive space for mothers with children under two. Held on a fortnightly or monthly basis in Peterborough, South Fenland, Cambridge, and Huntingdonshire, these sessions help women build friendships and share wellbeing skills in an open, welcoming environment.
Mums Matter: Practical Tools for Wellbeing
For those experiencing mental health challenges, our Mums Matter course offers structured, focused support. This eight-week course was co-designed with women who have lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges, such as postnatal depression, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. It’s packed with practical tools to help mums take care of their mental health and connect with others who truly understand what they’re going through.
These sessions are delivered in Child and Family Centres, which provide a child-friendly space, so mums can focus on their own wellbeing while little ones play nearby.
Connecting Mums: Five Ways to Wellbeing
Connecting Mums is a six-week course for expecting or new mums, focusing on the Five Ways to Wellbeing – keep learning, connect, take notice, give, and be active. It offers women the chance to form meaningful connections while developing tools to support emotional wellbeing.
This course is particularly beneficial for those feeling lonely, isolated, or struggling with low self-esteem or past mental health difficulties. Babies are welcome too – fully DBS-checked volunteers are on hand to lend a helping hand so mums can take some much-needed time for themselves.
Supporting Muslim Mums: Culturally Sensitive Support
Connecting Muslim Mums: Tailored for Muslim women, this six-week course covers the same Five Ways to Wellbeing, but incorporates faith-based material and culturally sensitive themes. Multilingual Muslim and non-Muslim staff and volunteers support throughout the programme, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment.
As with all our perinatal groups, babies are welcome, and our volunteers are there to help you focus on you.
Muslim Mama Meet-Ups: We also offer tailored informal group sessions for Muslim mums to connect, chat, and explore themes like self-care, motherhood expectations, and wellbeing. There’s no need to book or attend every week – just drop in when you can.
One-to-One Support: As well as this, we offer one-to-one support for Muslim mums – up to six sessions, providing a listening ear and helping mums work toward small, achievable wellbeing goals. Support is available from Muslim or non-Muslim multilingual staff and volunteers—whichever feels most comfortable for you.
Supporting New Dads: You’re Not Alone Either
Being a new dad can be tough with its own unique challenges. That’s why we also offer peer support groups for dads with children up to the age of two. These groups focus on building friendships and sharing practical wellbeing tips in a relaxed, supportive environment.
May 5, 2025
