A mum's zone offering a 'new holistic health and wellbeing programme for mums and their babies' is being launched by Slough Borough Council.

The programme will run two hour sessions weekly for 26 weeks in two of Slough's children's centres - Monksfield Way children's centre, from September 9 or Penn Road children's centre, from Friday, September 13 - both running between 9.45am and 12.15pm.

Working closely with the council’s early years team, public health team and a variety of local partners, the programme is designed to address some of the support needed for mothers in their perinatal period, with a focus on improving mental health.

Cathy Carr, healthy communities manager at Get Berkshire Active and Mums’ Zone programme manager, said: “I developed Mums’ Zone as it is very close to my heart having experienced many struggles in motherhood. I felt there was a gap for mums with young babies where they can find a place for some gentle physical activity as well as relaxing, meeting other local mums and receiving a variety of wellbeing support. Having a baby brings many new challenges for mums and being able to meet and talk to like-minded mums and have a weekly opportunity to do this is very important in the first year of a new baby.”

According to NHS England, perinatal mental ill health affects up to 20 per cent of women during pregnancy and in their first year after giving birth.

Research also shows that the effects of the mothers' mental health on children can have an impact years into the future.

The programme will be supported by a small group of ‘Mums’ Zone Ambassadors’ who will offer support for the mums.

Volunteer ambassadors are still needed and will be offered training and support. Contact Get Berkshire Active on Cathy Carr – cathy.carr@getberkshireactive.org or call: 01628 472851 for more information.