New mums sharing mental health stories in letters of hope and support | News and events

New mums struggling with their mental health are receiving hope and support via a nationwide letter-writing, peer-support initiative.

The Kingfisher Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) at Hellesdon Hospital, run by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), has linked in with Shropshire based LetterBeams, which provides handwritten letters of encouragement to those experiencing perinatal challenges.

LetterBeams was founded by Olivia Gascoigne inspired by her own struggles following the birth of her daughters. She said: "What started as a small, heartfelt effort to help new mothers feel less alone quickly resonated far beyond its original focus. As word spread, people began requesting letters for many other situations where compassion and lived experience can make a profound difference."

Charlie Chandler, Assistant Practitioner on the MBU, linked up with Olivia after seeing how her idea was really helping people.

She had been involved in a similar project as a peer support worker in the perinatal community team, asking mums under the service to write each other letters as part of Maternal Mental Health Week.

"We found it to be really helpful, both for mums who received the letters but also for those writing them, who were saying that things can get better," said Charlie.

She said hand-written letters were a personal and authentic way of offering support. "You know someone has taken time to put pen to paper to help. Reading them and knowing someone wants to help you and they've not even met you, that's golden."

She said the importance of connection with other mums who truly understood should not be underestimated. "The impact is priceless, said Charlie. It can transform their whole recovery which I have seen first-hand."

Peer support workers used their own experiences to help and support others in a similar situation. "For someone to hear that you know how they feel, that's a game changer," said Charlie.

And that is what LetterBeams stands for. Olivia said: "Sometimes a few words from someone who truly understands can be the lifeline you didn't know you needed. LetterBeams is about connection, compassion, and reminding people that they are not alone."

Since launching, the project has received a phenomenal response. More than 120 volunteer letter writers with lived experience have registered, and over Christmas alone, more than 200 letters were delivered to mother and baby units, support organisations, and individuals across the UK.

LetterBeams is inviting more people with lived experience - in any area of life - to join the growing community of volunteer letter writers. The project also welcomes partnerships with organisations, charities, and support services who would like to receive letters for the people they work with. You can register via forms.cloud.microsoft/r/tDGvQG0bjk or see the link in LetterBeams Instgram bio.

Some favourite quotes from letters sent to Kingfisher MBU

Your world seems so much smaller, but know, that to your perfect baby, you are the world, their world, their everything.

I had those days and wanted to let you know that you're not alone. You're not alone in the dark, you're not alone in feeling lost, overwhelmed or wondering if it gets better. I can tell you it does, this is just a moment in time, and it will pass.

Take your time with healing as it will take as long as it takes. Try not compare yourself with others as you are going to recover in your own time and it WILL happen.

I'd really like you to see this letter as a great big hug, as sometimes a hug is all you need in that moment.

Quote from a letter writer

Writing for LetterBeams has been one of the most meaningful things I've ever done. I know what it feels like to struggle in silence, and if my words can help someone feel even a little less alone, then that's a gift. These letters remind people that hope can come from the experiences we once thought would break us. - Natalie, LetterBeams volunteer writer