Mental Health Awareness Week 2025: The Power of Community for New Parents
- drmorvwenduncan
- May 21
- 3 min read
Becoming a parent is often described as one of life’s most joyous experiences—but for many, it also brings profound vulnerability. The transition to parenthood brings immense change—physically, emotionally, and socially. For many, it also brings loneliness, anxiety, and a loss of identity. This year, Mental Health Awareness Week, led by the Mental Health Foundation, focuses on celebrating the power of community. In this article, we're shining a light on how connection is vital in navigating and adjusting to becoming new parents . As The Lotus Psychology Practice is located in Berkhamsted, we will be providing support groups in the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire area.
The Hidden Struggle
New parents often experience a shrinking of their social world. Friends without children may drift away. Sleep deprivation and feeding schedules can make socialising feel impossible. Perinatal or post-natal mental health disorders—such as Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)—affect up to 20% of women and 10% of men worldwide (Howard et al., 2014). These issues can emerge during pregnancy or in the year after birth, often in silence due to stigma or lack of support.
The Protective Power of Community
Community support acts as a protective buffer, mitigating the psychological strain of new parenthood. Studies have found that perceived social support significantly reduces the risk of postpartum depression. In a systematic review, Dennis & Letourneau (2007) found that mothers who participated in peer support interventions experience significant reductions in depressive symptoms. In a 2016 systematic review, Rominov et al (2016) found peer support programmes had a significant positive effect of father's mental health outcomes.
A supportive community offers:
Emotional support: A listening ear, shared stories, and reassurance that others have been through similar challenges.
Practical help: Whether it’s a cooked meal, watching the baby while you nap, or advice on feeding—these gestures ease the daily burdens.
Reduced stigma: In inclusive communities, parents feel safer talking about mental health struggles without fear of judgment.
Connection to resources: Many parents only discover vital services, like peer support groups or counselling, through word-of-mouth in their local or online communities.
How to Find your Community
Community doesn’t always mean large networks. Small, consistent interactions—even weekly coffee groups, online forums, or local “baby and me” classes—can provide vital support.
Some ideas in building a community include:
Local parent groups and baby classes
Virtual meetups and support networks
Postnatal doulas or peer supporters
Faith or cultural communities that provide intergenerational support
Shared parental spaces in workplaces or community centres
Check your local county council website for events and groups
Community is a lifeline for perinatal and postnatal mental health. It’s not just about having people around—it’s about feeling seen, supported, and understood.
If you are having difficulty adjusting to becoming a new parent, and would like to seek professional advise or support, feel free to get in touch with us at The Lotus Psychology Practice, a group of HCPC registered Clinical and Counselling Psychologists. As our practice is based in Berkhamsted, below you will find useful groups in the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire region:
Hertfordshire
Little Wiggles – Royston
Offers musical movement and dance classes for babies and toddlers, focusing on physical and social development. Little Wiggles
Hartbeeps – Various Locations Including Berkhamsted
Provides sensory-rich, music-based classes for babies and toddlers, designed to enhance early development. hartbeeps.com
Hertfordshire Libraries – Baby Rhyme Time
Free sessions at local libraries featuring songs and rhymes to support early language skills.
First Friends Baby and Toddler Group – Royston
A welcoming environment for children from newborn to 4 years old and their parents or carers. familiesonline.co.uk
Mini Mozart – Harpenden, Hertford, Hitchin
Live music classes for babies and toddlers up to age 4, introducing classical music in a fun setting. familiesonline.co.uk
Ohana Parent Support Group – Stevenage & St Albans
A support group for young care-experienced parents, offering peer support and children's activities. Hertfordshire County Council
Offers antenatal classes and postnatal support, including hypnobirthing and personalized sessions.
Mother & Baby Group – Tring
A group for newborns and non-mobile babies and their parents/carers.Tring Town Council
Tring Tots
Friendly group for local mothers and toddlers.Tring Town Council
Buckinghamshire
Hartbeeps – South Bucks
Sensory and musical classes for babies and toddlers, fostering imagination and development. hartbeeps.com
Cha Char Chimps – Stoke Mandeville
Interactive musical shows for children aged 0-5 years, featuring props, puppets, and parachute fun. Red Kite Days
Tot Bop – Pitstone
Dance classes for children aged 1 to 9 years, promoting physical activity and creativity.
Monkey Music – Tring
Structured music classes for babies and toddlers, supporting early musical development. Little Wiggles
Waterbabies – Aylesbury & Wendover
Swimming classes for babies, focusing on water confidence and safety skills.
Family Information Service Directory
A comprehensive directory of baby and toddler activities across Buckinghamshire, including playgroups and classes. Buckinghamshire Council
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