Positive Steps campaign launches with park messages for new mums
News from BACP

We’ve painted powerful, personal messages detailing the challenges faced by new mums – and how therapy helped them – onto the paths of a popular park in London for the launch of our Positive Steps campaign.

We wanted to reach out to new mums who, according to our research¹, are feeling more bombarded than ever with advice on how to bring up their baby. Two thirds (69%) of mums say this advice has added to – rather than alleviated – the pressures of motherhood.

Stories of hope

The stories of hope are designed to capture the attention of new mums, as 43% say they spend five hours or more a week walking with their babies.

Mums from across the UK shared their stories – all of which can be read on our Positive Steps web pages.

They're accompanied at Wimbledon Park by signs explaining more about the campaign,  how to access therapy, and feature a QR code linking to our website.

The campaign aims to highlight the benefits of therapy – helping new mums to see it as an act of self-care, and a judgement free zone – and encourage anyone struggling with the pressures of new parenthood to consider seeking help from a registered therapist.

We've shared the campaign with journalists and media outlets throughout the country, and through social media, so the campaign reaches and helps as many new mums as possible.

The campaign's featured on BBC news, BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, BBC London TV, and in the Independent - as well as on BBC radio and commercial stations across the UK.

Overwhelming advice 

Our survey found 51% of mums say they’ve found it harder to cope with their mental wellbeing since having a baby. Some 43% have considered having counselling for this, but haven’t accessed it

Our annual Public Perceptions Survey² also revealed nearly a third 31%* of new parents worry it’s self-indulgent to seek counselling or psychotherapy if they do not have a “serious problem”.

Our campaign content also helps explain to new mums the different ways in which they can access therapy, whether that's from our directory, the NHS, through their employer or through charities - and why it's important to find a therapist who is registered with a professional body, such as BACP.

Our member Georgina Sturmer, who is supporting the campaign, says:

“Being a new mum is no walk in the park – it can be one of the toughest periods in a person’s life. Whether it’s coping with changes to your body during pregnancy, dealing with a traumatic birth, or navigating sleep deprivation – new mums can face a range of challenges, and none are too small or too trivial to need help with. 

“It’s so important to seek professional help from a registered therapist if you are feeling low or overwhelmed as a new mum, if you can. You are not alone, and you will be listened to. Counselling with a registered professional can change lives – it provides a safe space to be heard and understood with someone you can trust.”

BACP has worked with The Mum Club and MumsAid as part of this campaign.

Dr Lisa Morrison, our Director of Professional Standards Policy and Research, adds:

“Becoming a new parent can be a wonderful, joyful time, but it's entirely normal not to feel that way 24/7. A feeling that I know only too well. As a new mum or dad, you'll be dealing with a vast range of emotions, including negative ones like not feeling good enough.

“It’s good to talk to family and friends but when that’s not enough we want new mums to see therapy as an act of self-care, and a judgement free zone – and encourage anyone struggling with the pressures of new parenthood to consider seeking help from a registered BACP therapist.”

The messages are painted in environmentally-friendly paint and will be washed off after a week.

The campaign has been reported by BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour (from 20:50)  BBC News Online, The Independent and Yahoo!.