A mothers' support service focused on postpartum mental health has secured £70,000 in combined lottery funding, allowing it to preserve its in-person peer support groups across Cumbria. According to BBC News, the Happy Mums Foundation received the awards after warning that financial pressures threatened to force its groups online, a move that could harm vulnerable women in the region.
The foundation, established in Carlisle in 2015, has supported more than 1,000 families experiencing postpartum mental health challenges. Director Lucinda Bray expressed relief at the outcome, stating she was "absolutely thrilled" that the organisation could continue its work.
The funding crisis had forced difficult decisions. Prior to the new awards, the charity had already reduced its groups from 13 to five, comprising three in-person sessions and two online offerings, according to the News and Star. The Brampton and Cockermouth groups had closed entirely, while the Carlisle and Teen to 25 sessions faced imminent shutdown.
Why in-person groups matter
Bray has emphasised that moving support entirely online would damage the mental health of vulnerable women in the county. She previously told the BBC that in-person safe spaces where women could discuss suicidal thinking served as an important preventative factor.
If that doesn't have an outlet and you don't have a safe space to talk about those things, where might they go?she asked, highlighting the risks of removing face-to-face support.
The foundation's work addresses a critical gap in postpartum mental health services. In July, the charity had appealed for £25,000, warning it had less than three months of financial reserves remaining at that point.
How the funding breaks down
The Postcode Lottery awarded £50,000, structured across three years: £20,000 in the first year and £15,000 in each of the following two years. The National Lottery provided a separate £20,000 grant. Additionally, the foundation received £3,500 from the Frieda Scott Trust toward establishing a Penrith support group, alongside support from Cumbria Community Foundation.
Despite the relief these awards bring, Bray cautioned that the grants provide only temporary stability. She explained that the funding does not restore the charity to its previous financial position and that the organisation cannot rush into hiring new staff or restarting closed groups without securing longer-term financial commitments.
What happens next
The Happy Mums Foundation is continuing its fundraising efforts to build a more sustainable future. Supporters are scheduled to take on Catbells fell on Sunday, 8 November, as part of the charity's ongoing campaign. A bake sale in Brampton is planned for Monday, 2 November, with proceeds supporting the foundation's work.
