A MUM from Ellesmere Port who set up a peer support group for mothers with mental health issues has been given an Atomic boost.
Sarah Finlay said she was delighted pop star Natasha Hamilton had agreed to be the Milestone Mums’ patron and had pledged to offer support whenever she can.
Sarah told the Standard the pair had struck up a friendship at the start of the year after the Atomic Kitten singer dropped into a group session to talk about her own struggles with mental health.
Since setting up the group in September 2018, Sarah has been named ‘inspirational volunteer of the year’ through Cheshire West Voluntary Action and has secured financial support from local businesses.
Sarah, who had issues with anxiety and depression two years ago but is now ‘on the mend’, said: “My goal is to make sure all mums who have any form of mental illness gets the right support from wherever is necessary and to stamp out the stigma.
“I also support the community in the school holidays by putting on free or cheap activities in the school holidays and to help fight holiday hunger. It’s important to me that all children and families in the area can have the best time in the holidays without breaking the bank or going hungry.”
The group meets every Thursday providing workshops for mums and activities for children. It aims to provide a ‘safe non-judgemental environment where support is given at a crucial time in motherhood’, according to Sarah.
Natasha announced her backing of the group on October 10 – World Mental Health Day.
Sarah said: “I met Natasha earlier this year and have formed a strong friendship with her she is fully supportive of my organisation and wants to do as much as she can to get Milestone Mums widespread.”
Back in February, when she joined a Milestone Mums session, Natasha said: “Natasha said: "What Sarah has put together for mums who may be struggling with pre or post-natal mental health is fantastic.
"Creating a space where you can go while your baby plays and you can interact and talk with other mums who may be going through the same thing as you is invaluable.
"I wanted to show my support because I have struggled with my mental heath during and after giving birth and a group like Milestone Mums takes away the isolation you can feel at home or being on your own.”
For more on the group visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/milestonemums1/
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