Livestock is a charity that works within the community running arts groups, events and performances to support, connect, educate and entertain. The charity’s primary project is Mothers Uncovered, which helps participants reconnect with the women they’ve always been and provides a support service through workshops and arts projects, giving participants the chance to talk honestly about their feelings and experiences, without fear of judgement.
Location: Brighton
Post Natal Depression affects between 70,000 – 100,000 women and their babies each year. At least 20% of all new mothers are likely to suffer depression, and for between a third and a half of these it will be severe. Many women attending the groups do not necessarily wish to identify themselves as depressed; however, they often feel lonely, isolated and are struggling to cope with the demands of motherhood. Mothers attending Mothers Uncovered make contact with women they would not normally meet – creating an understanding of others’ lives, building a strong community, and forming strong peer support networks for themselves.
While the work of Mothers Uncovered is centred in the Brighton area, the impact is felt far beyond that. Because the project has been running for ten years, past participants have moved to other areas and several have set up their own support groups, inspired by the groups they have attended. Additionally, the company has just brought out a book, ‘The Secret Life of Mothers’ – a compilation of over 50 mothers’ first-hand stories and experiences taken from writings and interviews with group members, with foreword by Caroline Lucas, MP
Find out more: www.mothersuncovered.com
