A groundbreaking maternal mental health programme, Project Matrescence, has secured three years of funding following a successful pilot in 2024, ensuring continued support for new mothers in Warwickshire until at least 2028.
The programme, which targets mothers six to 12 months postpartum, offers a therapeutic community group and creche designed to aid women navigating the transition to motherhood, a process known as matrescence. With this new funding, Project Matrescence will expand its reach, supporting more families across the region.
Backed by Guiding Light Investments and supported by The Parenting Project, the initiative seeks to promote mental well-being and provide preventative interventions for mothers, addressing the often-overlooked psychological and emotional challenges of early motherhood.
Helen Davies, psychotherapist and lead of Project Matrescence, explained the significance of the programme, stating, “Becoming a mother is a profound transition that impacts every aspect of a person’s life—physically, emotionally, and socially. Many women feel unprepared for these changes, whether due to a lack of support, societal stigma, or unrealistic expectations of motherhood.”
She added, “Through community support, psychoeducation, and open conversations about the realities of motherhood, we can combat feelings of isolation and failure that often arise during this pivotal time.”
Project Matrescence is a six-week programme offering a safe, supportive space for mothers to explore the emotional and identity shifts that accompany new motherhood. Participants engage in group discussions and creative activities such as clay work, drawing, collage, journaling, and poetry to process their experiences. With groups limited to 12 participants, the programme fosters a close-knit, therapeutic environment.
To ensure accessibility, a free onsite creche is available for mothers, removing childcare barriers for those in need of support.
Elaine Johnston, CEO of The Parenting Project, expressed her enthusiasm for the programme’s expansion, saying, “We are thrilled to be part of an initiative that not only promotes maternal well-being but also proactively addresses mental health challenges. By focusing on both prevention and promotion, we can reduce distress and improve outcomes for mothers and their families.”
Thanks to the continued support of Guiding Light Investments, Project Matrescence will be able to support over 200 local mothers and their families over the next three years. The programme plans to run six groups annually across Warwickshire, with free sessions offered in locations including Kenilworth, Stratford, Rugby, Nuneaton, Bedworth, Leamington Spa, and Warwick.
This funding ensures that more mothers in the region will have access to vital mental health support during one of the most transformative—and often challenging—times of their lives.
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