Black mothers left without targeted mental healthcare in most of England, report finds

Black mothers across most of England lack targeted maternal mental health support despite facing higher risks during and after pregnancy, a report has found.

The analysis found a patchwork of provision across England, with inconsistent data, funding and support for Black women.

The vast majority of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) do not commission services specifically for Black maternal mental health, while five hold no information on such provision.

 

The findings come from Understanding local provision for Black maternal mental health, a briefing produced through the Black Maternal Mental Health project, led by The Motherhood Group in partnership with the Maternal Mental Health Alliance and Centre for Mental Health.

The briefing is based on Freedom of Information responses from 35 of England’s 36 ICBs.

Most ICBs rely on general perinatal mental health services, but gaps in available data mean it is impossible to determine whether these services meet the needs of Black mothers, the report found.

Black women face a higher risk of developing mental health problems during and after pregnancy but are less likely to receive the support they need, according to the briefing.

Mental health problems also remain a leading cause of maternal deaths.

The report found that many ICBs do not have a complete picture of activity in their areas, including training delivered by community organisations, making it difficult to hold the NHS to account.

Some ICBs are commissioning targeted services and working with community groups, showing that good practice exists.

The briefing calls on NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care to establish clear national guidance on ICBs’ responsibility for commissioning, monitoring and evaluating culturally competent, trauma-informed services for Black mothers, coproduced with Black women and communities.

It also calls for routine, linked data collection on Black mothers’ perinatal mental health experiences and outcomes.

ICBs are also urged to invest sustainably in community-led services, work with organisations trusted by Black mothers and learn from existing good practice, including anti-racism and cultural competency training.