Mum backs ‘life-saving’ charity as funding cuts put vulnerable women at risk
Campaign plea for donations amid fears hundreds of mothers will be left to cope without crucial mental health support
A mum-of-three has spoken of her battle against suicidal thoughts – as the charity that ‘saved her life’ faces a funding gap that could leave mothers in crisis unable to access help.
Emma Elmas believes she ‘wouldn’t be here today’ were it not for Acacia Family Support, whose work is vital to Birmingham parents facing serious mental health problems during and after pregnancy.
But major funding cuts have left the Birmingham-based charity staring at a £150,000 black hole, prompting a Mother’s Day campaign calling for urgent help in the form of donations.
Emma has told her story on film to support the campaign, titled ‘Motherhood – Not What You Expected?’.
The 41-year-old, from Cofton Hackett, said: “I started self-harming because I needed control. And I thought about committing suicide – not because I didn’t love my children, but because I couldn’t cope.
“That’s not something you can burden your husband or mum with, but I had Acacia.
“I was able to talk freely, without judgment. Without Acacia, I wouldn’t be here today and my children wouldn’t have a mother. I owe them everything.”
Talking about the campaign, Acacia Acting Director Becky Douglas-Jones said: “Mother’s Day is framed as a joyful celebration of motherhood, but the reality is different for many women.
“One in four mothers experience anxiety, depression or other serious mental health problems during pregnancy or after the birth.
“When they see images of other people’s perfect Mother’s Day, it amplifies the guilt, shame and inadequacy they feel because they’re struggling to bond with their baby.
“But thanks to the brave mums who’ve gone on camera to tell their stories, our campaign can shine a light on the side of motherhood you don’t see on social media.”
Five social media clips will be released from the 10th of March in the five days leading up to Mother’s Day 2026. Each features a mum Acacia has supported, exploring topics ranging from isolation to suicidal thoughts.
It comes in the wake of NHS funding cuts and significant reductions in charitable donations and grant income that will cost Acacia 20 per cent of its overall budget in the coming 12 months.
Head of Fundraising Vicki Hook says many families could go without vital support unless the funding gap is plugged.
She said: “Birmingham has the second-highest number of instances of perinatal mental health conditions in the country. Unless we can raise enough to cover this shortfall, there’ll be less support in a hotspot where support is most needed.
“Our early intervention support often stops mothers reaching crisis point. If we can’t replace these funds, many mothers won’t get that preventative service when prompt treatment is so essential.
“The first 1,001 days of a baby’s life, including pregnancy, are the most crucial to their development. We know that children of parents who experience mental health issues at this stage are more likely to struggle with their own social and emotional development.
“And we know within perinatal mental health that suicide is a serious risk for new mothers with mental health issues. They’re so vulnerable during that period and things can escalate really quickly. Suicide is the leading cause of death in the first year after pregnancy.
“We now need to raise an additional £150,000 every year just to maintain our current level of service. Every donation makes a difference, from one off donations to Acacia Angels, who pledge a monthly donation to help sustain funding throughout the year.”
Acacia offers quicker access to mental health support than is typically available via many public services, treating women before they need advanced interventions. Many struggling mothers are referred to Acacia by the NHS.
And Becky says Acacia’s understanding of what mums have been through helps them speak openly about their problems – a crucial part of their recovery.
She said: “There’s a fear of acknowledging that you’re not coping – a misguided fear that social services will take your baby away. We’re able to offer that non-judgmental, comfortable space for them to share how they’re feeling.
“Acacia has a beautiful family feel, offering kindness, hope, care and gentleness. Our mums feel welcome; they feel included; they feel special and important.
“We’re a local charity. We’re here for Brummie families, supported by local volunteers and staff who’ve been through perinatal mental health problems themselves and are motivated to go the extra mile.”
Supporters can get behind the campaign on social media using the hashtag #NotWhatYouExpected. More information is available by clicking here.
You can donate up to £20 by texting ‘MUM’ and the amount you want to give to 70560 (e.g. texting ‘MUM20’ will donate £20). Online donations can be made by clicking here.