Thousands raised to support homeless mums and babies

Brighton-based community group Release Counselling and Therapy for Women runs ‘Mummyshock’ sessions - which provide a supportive space for women to talk, in a safe and friendly environment.

The group set up a crowdfunding campaign to raise £2,000 for young mums to receive free Mummyshock sessions at the Stopover’s Mum & Baby house for homeless young women in Brighton and Hove.

As of this afternoon (Tuesday, January 3), 45 supporters had donated £2,325.

An update on the crowdfunder page said: “With the additional funding, we can run extra courses for homeless mums and their babies in the hostel. The demand for this group is very large and we operate a waiting list for it. Additional funding will allow us to meet that demand by scheduling an additional course during 2017.”

Ellen Baldwin, founder of Release Counselling and Therapy for Women, said one in five mums suffer from a mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety, and she is determined that women do not miss out on vital support just because they happen to be homeless.

She said: “Being homeless and becoming a mum for the first time can be very challenging. The Mummyshock course will help the new mums to grow in confidence and resilience, as well as feeling more attached and bonded to their baby - helping everyone get the best start.”

To find out more, visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/mummyshock-course-at-homeless-mum-baby-hostel/