'Life-saving' mums charity could close waiting list
BBCA "life-saving" charity that supports new mothers may have to close its waiting list if urgent funding cannot be raised.
Frome Birth Talk provided counselling to more than 155 mothers in 2026, but charity chiefs warn they will have to cut back on support unless they can raise £10,000 by Sunday.
Sarah N'Guio received counselling from the charity a year after giving birth and said it saved her life, adding: "Without them, I probably would have lost my children and lost my life."
Suzy Cristinacce, charity director, said: "More and more people are suffering from mental health problems and the charity sector is helping fill the gaps but the pot is getting smaller and smaller."
After a traumatic birth where she nearly died, N'Guio's mental health plummeted.
"I was spiralling, had imposter syndrome, postpartum depression and constantly felt under attack,"she told BBC Radio Somerset.
"I felt people were plotting against me and that was when I decided to ask for help.
"The charity held me, allowed me to let go of my worries and fears and gave me space to make sense of things," she said.
The Royal College of Midwives reports that about one in four new mums will face a mental health issue after giving birth.
Cristinacce said about 50% of the charity's money is generated from grant funding.
"I don't know what has happened, but I'm applying for grants, the feedback is that our application is very strong but the grants aren't coming in," Cristinacce said.
She added that they have set up a crowdfunding site that will be open until Sunday.
A spokesperson for the Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath said other support is available for women in the area.
They also said an NHS pathway includes a referral into the RUH perinatal mental health team.
NHS England has been approached for comment.
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