Nationwide Campaign Launches To Help New Mums Feel Less Isolated

Between the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, escalating social restrictions and general unease about the future, it's fair to say Mother's Day has fallen by the wayside this year.

This Sunday (22nd) will be a particularly strange time for news mums, many of who will be celebrating their first Mother's Day in isolation.

With the government advising social distancing, paired with attempting navigate the scary and uncertain times that come with having a newborn, and its no wonder many mums may be feeling even more anxious than usual.

To help combat this, a new campaign is seeing the British public send heartfelt messaged to new mothers who may feel isolated or lonely this Mothering Sunday.

Red Letter Days, maternal mental health charity PANDAS and mum's social network Mush are encouraging members of the public to write messages reminding mother's they are loved.

Red Letter Days)

The idea behind the campaign - named #HeyMum - is that people write a card leaving it unsealed in one of 20 designated post boxes across the UK.

These loving messages will then be delivered "to the mum's who need them most this weekend".

Already, hundred of people have taken pen to paper to writing beautiful words of encouragement to new mums who may be struggling.

Red Letter Days)

"Keep doing what you're doing and trust your gut," read one message.

"As you will soon ow you will be embarking on the most challenging, stressful but rewarding time ever, even when you don't feel like you are doing the best job," another kind person penned.

Another heartfelt message from a woman named Sheridan read: "It's ok to say it's tough. It's ok that it isn't perfect, it's ok not to enjoy every single moment.

"It's ok to want 5 minutes to yourself... then complain those 5 minutes wasn't long enough

"Find joy in the little things and let go of the rest...Give yourself time - you are already the best mum for your little babe. You've got this!"

The campaign aims to draw attention to the fact 1 in 7 mums suffer from post-natal depression in the UK.

Red Letter Days)

Alison Vickery, Marketing Director at Red Letter Days, said: "Becoming a Mother is an exciting and joyful occasion but it's also incredibly common for new mothers to feel isolated, anxious or lonely.

"The number of women suffering from perinatal illness is something we need to speak more openly about. We therefore want to use this Mother's Day - which will be a first for many - to raise awareness, build connections and empower new mums with support and encouragement.

"We're encouraging mums who have experienced the pressures, highs and lows of motherhood to write a heartwarming message to another mother who is just starting out on their parenting journey.

"Your act of solidarity could make a huge difference to your fellow mum's day, week, month and maybe even their year; and will remind them that they're doing a fantastic job and are far from alone."

Red Letter Days)

To find out where you nearest postbox is, and get involved in the campaign, click here.

Topics: Life, Coronavirus, Motherhood, Real Life

Ciara Sheppard

Ciara is a freelance writer working for Tyla. After graduating with an English Lit and Media degree from the University of Sussex, Ciara held jobs at GLAMOUR and Yahoo Style before packing up for a solo travelling trip around South America.

@ciarasheppard