A new Cheltenham support group empowering mums of colour through pregnancy and early motherhood is being launched on Wednesday 10 July 2025.
Described as a vital new initiative aimed at supporting women of colour through pregnancy and early motherhood, the new group is being held at the Aspire Foundation on Garners Lane, in partnership with the NHS perinatal maternity unit.
Developed by race equity organisation, Lives of Colour, the free, community-based programme has been designed specifically for women of African, Afro-Caribbean, ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds with children aged birth to two years, offering term-time sessions that span topics including maternal health and newborn care to mental wellbeing and building a sense of community.
Founder of Lives of Colour, Florence Nyasamo, said: ‘The perinatal experience can be incredibly isolating – especially for women of colour who often face cultural and systemic barriers to the right kind of care.
'Mothers of Colour is about building an affirming community where women feel seen, heard and empowered.’
The organisation said the new group has been created against a backdrop of alarming national statistics, with Black women in the UK three times more likely to die during or one year after pregnancy than White women — highlighting the need for accessible, culturally sensitive support.
Local people are invited to attend the launch event, where Florence and NHS representatives will speak about the project’s vision, alongside some of the mothers taking part.
For more information call 07719 400353.
