Maternal Mental Health Charities UK: Complete List
If you are struggling emotionally during pregnancy or after birth, you are not alone, and there are UK charities set up specifically to help. Alongside your midwife, GP and NHS perinatal services, these organisations offer free, confidential support, information and someone to talk to. This page lists trusted UK charities you can turn to, what each one focuses on, and how to reach them.
Trusted UK charities for maternal mental health
These organisations are well established and free to contact. You do not need a referral, and you do not have to be at crisis point to get in touch.
- PANDAS Foundation — focuses on perinatal mental health, including antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety. They run a free helpline (0808 1961 776) and email support.
- Tommy's — offers pregnancy and baby loss information and midwife-led support, including emotional wellbeing in pregnancy.
- Mind — provides information and support for all mental health problems, including anxiety and depression during and after pregnancy.
- Maternal Mental Health Alliance — a network that campaigns for better perinatal care and signposts you to local services.
- Sands and Petals — support for anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss, including the mental health impact.
- Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) — specialist support for postpartum psychosis, a serious illness needing urgent care.
- Best Beginnings — free resources, including the Baby Buddy app, covering emotional wellbeing.
Samaritans (116 123) are also available free, day or night, if you need to talk to someone right away.
How to choose where to start
If you are not sure who to call, start with the issue that feels most pressing. For low mood, worry or feeling unable to cope in pregnancy, PANDAS, Tommy's or Mind are good first ports of call. If you have experienced a loss, Sands or Petals understand that specific grief. The charities will not judge you, and they can help you work out what support might suit you, including how to talk to your midwife or GP.
Many charities offer more than a phone line — you may find peer support groups, online forums, email support or local meet-ups. Using a charity does not replace medical care; think of it as support that sits alongside your NHS team.
What is normal, and when to seek urgent help
Feeling more emotional, tearful or anxious during pregnancy is common, especially in the early weeks and around scans. Reaching out for support is sensible, not an overreaction. Do speak to your midwife or GP if low mood, anxiety or intrusive thoughts last more than a couple of weeks, get worse, or start to affect your daily life, sleep or ability to look after yourself.
Seek help straight away if you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or feel unable to keep yourself safe. Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E in an emergency, or call 111 for urgent advice. Sudden confusion, hallucinations or feeling out of touch with reality after birth can signal postpartum psychosis and need urgent medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which charity helps with pregnancy anxiety?
PANDAS Foundation specialises in perinatal mental health and is a good place to start for antenatal anxiety. Tommy's also offers pregnancy-focused emotional support, and Mind provides general anxiety support. All are free to contact, and none require a referral.
Are these charities free to contact?
Yes. The charities listed here offer free support, though standard call charges may sometimes apply depending on your phone provider. Many also offer free email or online support if you would rather not phone.
Do I still need to tell my midwife or GP?
It helps to. Charities offer valuable listening and peer support, but your midwife, GP and NHS perinatal mental health team can assess you and arrange treatment such as talking therapies. The two work well together.
For personal advice about your own situation, please speak to your midwife or GP, who can refer you to local perinatal mental health support.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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