Supporting Local Mothers Through Creativity and Connection

Leeds Hospitals Charity has been funding a programme aimed at supporting pregnant women and new mothers in the local community through creative activities and peer support.

Maternal Journal Sessions

Over the past two years, the charity has provided nearly £7,000 to support weekly Maternal Journal sessions. These sessions are led by Nada Abdul-Majid, a specialist midwife at Leeds Teaching Hospitals. The classes take place every Friday at Chapeltown Children’s Centre and are designed for pregnant women and new mothers with babies up to six months old.

Purpose and Activities

The sessions offer participants the opportunity to come together to share their experiences of motherhood and receive expert advice from midwives. Alongside discussions, the sessions include creative activities such as collaging, drawing, painting, and poetry. Each participant receives a journal at the start of the programme to document their pregnancy and early motherhood journey. This journal serves as a personal keepsake.

Topics Covered

• Pregnancy and birth
• Identity and motherhood
• Loss and grief
• Relationships

These discussions provide peer support and help participants connect with others experiencing similar challenges during pregnancy and early motherhood.

For more information, visit the Leeds Hospitals Charity website.