The Lord Mayor of Birmingham's Charity COVID-19 Urgent appeal for Acacia Family Support

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham has recognised that local charities in and around Birmingham are severely impacted by the onset of COVID-19. The Lord Mayor of Birmingham's Charity has launched an urgent appeal to support one such charity the 'Acacia Family Support Charity'.

This is the story of one of the people supported by the Acacia Family Support charity

Acacia Family Support is a Birmingham city-wide charity providing much needed help for families affected by pre- and postnatal depression and anxiety. In these uncertain times, Acacia provides a lifeline to pregnant mothers and new parents who are already struggling with mental health issues and are now tipped to breaking point.

These families need help now more than ever. Feeling trapped and isolated, families have lost all their support networks that were helping them get through day to day life. They are left feeling alone and anxious about what the future holds. Increased stress can make feelings of depression and anxiety spiral out of control and if left untreated, this can have a devastating impact during and for a long time after the Covid-19 pandemic. Suicide is still the leading cause of death for new mums in the first year after birth.

That's why Acacias services are crucial right now. Their incredible team of staff and volunteers step in to provide support to struggling parents, before problems get worse. Right now, they are providing essential listening and befriending support via phone and text alongside online group support sessions and resources. Their letterboxes of love cards and small acts of kindness offer a ray of hope to mums and dads, at a time when they may be feeling as though their whole world is falling apart.