A Charity That Helped a New Mother Says It May Have to Stop
A Charity That Helped a New Mother Says It May Have to Stop
A charity supporting new mothers in Somerset says it may have to close its waiting list unless it can raise urgent funding, after helping more than 155 women this year.
“It Saved My Life”
Sarah N’Guio turned to Frome Birth Talk after experiencing a traumatic birth that left her mental health in a serious decline.
After giving birth, she said she experienced postpartum depression, intense anxiety and frightening feelings that made her believe people were against her.
She eventually asked for help and received counselling from the charity about a year after giving birth.
N’Guio said the support gave her a safe place to talk about her fears and helped her make sense of what she was experiencing.
More Than 155 Mothers Supported
Frome Birth Talk provides counselling and emotional support for new mothers in the area.
The charity says it has supported more than 155 mothers during 2026, but its future has now become uncertain because several recent funding applications have been unsuccessful.
About half of the organisation’s income normally comes from grants, according to charity director Suzy Cristinacce.
A Race Against Time
The charity is trying to raise £10,000 by Sunday through crowdfunding. Without the money, it says it may have to reduce the support it can provide and potentially close its waiting list.
Cristinacce said the organisation had received positive feedback about the quality of its funding applications, but the grants it relies on had not been awarded.
Why Support After Birth Matters
The Royal College of Midwives estimates that about one in four new mothers experiences a mental health problem after giving birth.
For some women, difficulties can begin after a traumatic birth or develop during the first months of caring for a newborn.
While NHS services are available in the area, charities such as Frome Birth Talk provide additional counselling and community-based support for mothers who are struggling.
A Personal Story Behind the Funding Crisis
For N’Guio, the charity’s support came at a time when she felt she was losing control of her life.
Her experience has become part of the charity’s appeal for continued funding, as it warns that other mothers may also need help but could face a longer wait if services are reduced.
Source: BBC News, October 6, 2026.
