The Motherhood Group: Black maternal mental health report UK (23 September 2025)

Summary

The Motherhood Group has launched a landmark report on Black maternal mental health in the United Kingdom, shining a light on the urgent need for safe spaces, culturally competent peer support, digital access, and community-driven, anti-racist solutions.

This report centres the lived experiences of Black mothers and highlights systemic barriers to quality, affordable mental healthcare. The report was supported with the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) and the Centre for Mental Health.

By leading this research, The Motherhood Group places Black mothers’ voices at the forefront of national conversations, providing policy-makers, health services, and communities with the insights needed to drive meaningful change

Content

The comprehensive research explores:

• Black mothers' experiences with current support systems.
• Barriers to accessing existing mental health services.
• Cultural factors influencing maternal mental health experiences.
• Healthcare practitioners' understanding of cultural needs.

Related reading on the hub:

• Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures: Black maternal mental health
• Addressing critical gaps in Black maternal mental healthcare: a new partnership project is launched (interview with Sandra Igwe)