The Good Mental Health Project launched a Perinatal Mental Health Campaign during Maternal Mental Health Week (4 – 10 May 2026) shaped around the Five Ways to Wellbeing. Posting throughout the week and beyond, the campaign explores how the Five Ways to Wellbeing can support mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy and early parenthood.

Each theme is shared through a range of supportive content, including a short blog, myths vs reality posts, “did you know?” facts, to share key information, gentle daily wellbeing reminders, and simple calls to action that invite wellbeing reflection.

You will also find a wealth of links to trusted support and helpful local and national resources.

Everything is designed to be relatable, compassionate, and accessible; supporting parents to pause, reflect, and engage with wellbeing in ways that feel realistic and supportive. 

Why focus on Perinatal Mental Health? 

We focus on perinatal mental health because it recognises that mental health during pregnancy and the first year after birth affects everyone involved; mothers, fathers, partners, babies, and wider family networks. While Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week rightly highlights the experiences of mothers, the perinatal period is a shared transition, and emotional wellbeing within this time is relational and interconnected.

By marking perinatal mental health alongside the national awareness week, we aim to widen the conversation, acknowledge all caregivers, and highlight that supporting the mental health of one person supports the wellbeing of the whole family, including the baby. 

We know that around one in five women experience mental health difficulties during pregnancy or postnatally. Research also suggests that 5–10% of fathers experience perinatal depression and up to 15% experience anxiety, yet paternal mental health is often overlooked and under supported. In reality, many more parents are not reflected in these statistics due to stigma, barriers to access, or not feeling able to seek help.

Perinatal Mental Health matters because: 

• Early experiences shape long‑term wellbeing 

• Mental health impacts bonding, confidence, and relationships 

• Early support can prevent crisis 

• Parents deserve care and understanding, not judgement 

We do this work because preventative support saves lives. It reduces distress, reduces crisis, and helps parents stay well during one of the most significant transitions in life.

Perinatal mental health is still surrounded by silence and stigma, meaning many parents struggle alone until difficulties feel overwhelming and even still many fear that reaching out for help means they are ‘not a good parent’ or ‘failing.’ Too often, support is only accessed once someone has reached crisis point, rather than earlier, when gentle intervention can make a meaningful difference.

This campaign reflects The Good Mental Health Project’s wider commitment to prevention and building wellbeing aware communities, where mental health is understood, talked about, and supported across all stages of life.

By starting early, we help parents feel seen, supported, and better equipped; strengthening wellbeing not just for individuals, but for families and communities.