All posts by Fliss Lambert

2 December 2024

Our 2024 festive appeal

Our festive appeal this year is focused on raising funds to develop new specialist resources for those struggling with legal and rights-based issues after postpartum psychosis (PP).

Whilst in recovery from PP, some women face legal, financial or rights-based issues. These issues can cause frustration, distress, injustice and hamper recovery. In our 2023 peer support survey, respondents shared some of the difficulties they've experienced:

Nearly half (49%) faced issues around returning to work.
Over a third (36%) had difficulties with reinstatement of their full driving licence.
31% had trouble accessing insurance.
28% had problems accessing benefits entitlements.
Some reported poor understanding of PP in family or criminal courts.

Your donation could help us develop a series of information leaflets covering the most common issues women and families face; increase awareness to help remove stigma and ensure better understanding; and develop a support and signposting service.

Our APP Peer Support service already changes and saves lives. Those we support tell us there's a real need for this kind of specialist information. It would make such a practical difference to so many women and families.

Please donate now to help us do more.

Hannah struggled to get her full driving licence back for several years after recovering from PP.

She initially surrendered her driving licence, then had temporary licences for the following four years, even after she was fully recovered and discharged from her mental health team. Hannah needed a licence for her job, and because she lives in a rural area. Each time her temporary licence expired, she had to complete extensive paperwork and make numerous calls to the DVLA.

She says: 'In the early days, I didn't have the confidence to challenge it. There was never any issue with my driving and it hadn't been something that medication or my recovery process had impacted. I've driven since I was 17 and really value this as part of my independence and identity. Plus, living in a rural area meant being prevented from driving made me feel even more isolated.'

After more than five years of back and forth with the DVLA, she finally got her full licence back.

I felt angry and discriminated against for having a limited licence due to something that had happened five years ago. On one of my calls to the DVLA I asked them if they knew what they were doing and if they knew anything about the illness I had experienced - they said they didn't and were awaiting medical sign-off and again told me there was a backlog. I also asked my GP who said they had no issue with me driving, so the delay was with the DVLA.

My experience shows that the DVLA and other agencies should have a knowledge of PP and what this means. There are definitely worse drivers on the road than me and at that stage, five years after PP, it seemed pretty ridiculous!

PP is not like other mental health diagnoses either and the main risk is around having a baby. I would urge everyone to support our work to educate other statutory bodies about what PP is and what it isn't so this doesn't happen to other people.

Like many women affected by PP, Hannah has also experienced issues getting insurance:

I still have an exclusion on my life insurance for anything related to mental health - at the last renewal of our policy, the company were unable to provide a decent level of cover due to the small number of psychiatrist appointments I had within the last 10 years, which included when I had sought proactive support when having my youngest child and remained well. It's really unfair.'

Driving licences and insurance are just two of the issues that can cause problems for some women in recovery. Others tell us they've had problems with benefits entitlements, maternal rights, money advice, and returning to work.

Struggles like these can cause additional stress and anxiety, and hinder recovery. For those with little family support, who have English as a second language or who lack the confidence or knowledge of how to challenge it can be even more difficult.

Our Big Give match funding campaign closed on 10th December but you can still donate here and help us continue to support women now and in the future.

Thank you.

10 October 2024

Your donation, doubled!

This World Mental Health Day, 10th October 2024, we're on a mission to support even more women and families affected by postpartum psychosis, and we'd love you to help us. Between midday on 10th October and midday on 17th October, we're aiming to raise £5,000.

Donate now through our Big Give Women & Girls campaign page , and your donation will be doubled, at no additional cost to you, thanks to match funding from the Big Give.

Every donation we receive will be worth twice as much – if you donate £5, APP will receive £10, if you donate £25, we'll receive £50, and so on.

Double the donation means double the impact.

Our target of £5,000 could help us significantly increase our offer of help and support for families affected by postpartum psychosis (PP) - a treatable medical emergency that affects around 1400 women in the UK each year.

Being diagnosed with a severe mental illness like PP is frightening and shocking for the woman and those around her. With the right treatment, nearly all women make a full recovery, but the journey can be long, have ups and downs and can feel very isolating. APP peer supporters are there for everyone affected by PP, whether the experience was recent or many years ago. By donating today, you can help us be there for everyone who needs us, for as long as they need us.

Will you donate today and get your donation doubled?

The peer support programme has helped me immensely. I regularly email a peer supporter and we share a lot about our own experiences.
Knowing that someone further along on their PP journey is there with advice and support has been a real help for my recovery.

Help us be there for even more women and families.

Donate now through our Big Give Women & Girls Campaign and your donation will be doubled, at no additional cost to you.

Thank you for your support.

9 October 2024

MBU nurses run for APP!

Three perinatal mental health nurses are taking on the Manchester Half Marathon for APP this weekend.

Amy, Megan and Sophie all work supporting new mums being treated at Ribblemere Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) in Lancashire. Over the last few months they've been training so hard for the half marathon and they're now looking forward to taking their places on the start line in Manchester this Sunday. They've been posting updates on their training on TikTok - and you can follow them @therunningmhnurses

All three say they wanted to do this for APP because in their work they see the impact that postpartum psychosis has on mums and families:

We wanted to run for APP because we see daily the impact that a life changing diagnosis has on our ladies. It's heartbreaking and can be such a lonely time for ladies and families. APP supports them during this time and it really can be life saving support.

We see the resilience and strength our ladies and families have when it comes to postpartum psychosis and we just wanted to do something small in support of all our ladies who have experienced/are experiencing postpartum psychosis.

We see them, we are here for them and we are so proud of them. We have the best job in the world.

APP Peer Support Facilitator Jocelyn Ellams works with Amy, Megan and Sophie as part of our service providing support and information to families at Ribblemere. Jocelyn says: 'I’ve seen the impact Amy, Meg and Sophie have. They are kind, caring and empathetic and an amazing source of support for the mums on the ward. This understanding is only highlighted by the fact they are fundraising for us!'

The nurses have already raised an incredible amount but they would love any more support to help them get to the finish line on the big day. You can add your support here.

Good luck to our Ribblemere runners!
We hope you have a fantastic day. Thank you so much for your support.

2 October 2024

Sam & Adam share their story

This Sunday, dad of two Adam is taking on an epic challenge - the Suffolk Whole Hog muddy obstacle course - made up of 30 obstacles round a very muddy five mile course.

Adam has chosen to do this to raise funds for and awareness of APP because his wife Sam was diagnosed with PP after the birth of their first son back in 2017.

Here, Sam shares her experience of her illness in her own words:

'I quickly became severely unwell, experiencing hallucinations, paranoia and terrifying intrusive thoughts. Just 15 days after giving birth I was sectioned under the mental health act and alongside my newborn I was placed in a Mother and Baby Unit 65 miles away from our home. During this time I was looked after by some amazing people and now have a rainbow tattoo on my ankle in honour of the people that saved me.

At the MBU I finally felt safe. Although still so unwell I was slowly able to recover with the help of some wonderful people who I will never forget.

I have since gone on to have our second son in 2020, thankfully with no repercussions. To anyone who is experiencing PP please believe you will get there. You may be a different version of yourself from before but that's OK. Put your trust in those that are helping you get better and allow yourself time. It is a traumatic experience that will never leave you but it doesn't have to define you.'

Thank you Sam for sharing your story with us, and thank you Adam for taking on the Whole Hog challenge for APP. We're looking forward to seeing the photos!

If you'd like to support Adam's fundraising, you can visit his JustGiving page here.

17 September 2024

Chris kicks off a new season of awareness raising

APP super supporter Chris is back for another season of raising awareness of APP through attending football matches across the UK.

Since 2023, Chris has been going to football matches at grounds around and closest to the 22 Mother and Baby Units (MBUs) in the UK. He has a specially made purple APP football shirt that he wears for every match and does his best to get a mention in the matchday programme each time.

This season he's kicked off with a match at Crystal Palace FC. Chris reports back for us here:

'Match #6 complete! Football season is officially back!

On Saturday 14th September 2024 I attended my 6th match of my football awareness tour with my dad Gary! We went to see Crystal Palace draw 2-2 at home against Leicester at Selhurst Park.

After a disappointing first half, The Eagles recovered from two nil down to secure a draw. The exciting second half and passionate home crowd, celebrating 100 years at Selhurst Park, made for a brilliant experience!

I have to say a special thank you to my fellow PP dad who helped get us these tickets. I am so so grateful! This was a surprise fixture at this stage of my awareness tour, and a day neither my dad or I will forget.

Despite very high demand I was able to get an entry about my challenge, postpartum psychosis and the MBUs in the match day programme!

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to visit the local South London and Maudsley MBU in person on this occasion. But I did manage to speak to the Ward Manager and another member of staff before my trip, to thank them for all the amazing work they do.'

UPDATE 26th October 2024

Chris's latest trip was to Bolton last weekend, another successful day - he's reported back on it for us here:

'Match #7 complete!

Yesterday, Saturday 26th October 2024, I attended my 7th match of my football awareness tour with my good friend Ross. We went to see Bolton beat Peterborough 1-0 at home thanks to a dramatic stoppage time winner.

I have to be honest and say we were hoping for a goal fest given the two clubs form, but it was certainly an entertaining finish!

Bolton put an amazing entry in their matchday programme about my challenge, postpartum psychosis and the MBUs. It was lovely!

Technically I have already attended a football match close to the Chorley Ribblemere MBU, seeing Accrington Stanley last October (2023), and also visiting the MBU in person this March (2024).

But Bolton is less than 10 miles away from the MBU. And I know Ross has been eagerly waiting to join in on this tour and help me in raising awareness for this cause. So it was a great day out!

Before the game we were lucky enough to meet up with Kieran Anders from Dad Matters. It was great to be able to meet Kieran in person, fresh with a new trim having just chopped off his hair for The Little Princess Trust and Home-Start HOST!

In a rare turn of events for this awareness tour, the home team won! So Kieran said I am welcome to come back again!'

You can follow Chris's awareness raising adventures via his Instagram here.

If you're a dad or co-parent that would like to meet and talk with others whose partners have experienced PP, join our virtual Dads and Co-parents peer support social / cafe group - 8-9pm, every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Zoom joining link: bit.ly/PARTNERMEET. Or, email Simon: simon@app-network.org

7 September 2024

APP's 2025 Great North Run Team

It's the one of the biggest and most well know half marathons in the world - the Great North Run - and we're so excited to have FIVE runners taking part for APP this year:

Tim in his purple APP top at his local York Parkrun

Tim

Tim is running for APP because of the work we do campaigning for more Mother & Baby Units (MBU).

Tim's family have first hand experience of not being able to access a local MBU. When his wife was diagnosed with PP after the birth of their second child, there was no bed available at their nearest MBU, meaning she had to be treated some way from their family home.
Tim says 'Nine years on and with a healthy family, we would like to give something back to enable help to be made available for other families in a similar situation.

Add your support for Tim here.

Mikyla

Mikyla is taking on her first half marathon and we couldn't be more grateful that she has chosen to do this for APP.

She says: 'I am dedicating my first ever half-marathon to new mums and APP as my charity. I want to show solidarity to all new mums and their families, and to help bring support to the new mums who most need it.'

Support Mikyla here.

Rob

Rob has chosen to take on the Great North Run for APP this year as 'it is a cause close to my heart and I wanted to support the great work that APP does.'
Thank you Rob and good luck!

Add your support for Rob here.

Philippa & Owen

Running together and inspired to do so to support brother in law Rob and his family, Philippa and Owen have been training hard and are excited to take on the Great North Run for the first time!

Add your support for Philippa and Owen here.

A huge thank you to all of our runners, and to everyone who has supported them with their training, and through donations.

Look out for them in their purple APP tops on the TV coverage and do give them an extra cheer if you're going to be there in person this weekend.

15 August 2024

Sarah takes to the skies for APP!

This August, Sarah Horton will be skydiving from 10,000ft over the coast of Cornwall to raise funds and awareness.

Sarah has bravely chosen to take on this challenge after her partner Charity became ill with postpartum psychosis (PP) after the birth of their triplets three years ago. You can read more about their story here.

Charity explains: 'Sarah decided to fundraise predominantly because PP is a relatively unknown illness (we had no knowledge of it) and something that hit us out of the blue and affected us personally and we now feel, after therapy, we have come out the other side.

It was quite comforting when I was in the psychiatric unit to be given APP leaflets explaining what I had and that there was an existing charity made up of people who knew exactly how we felt. Sarah said she wants to 'give back' - without the existence of APP giving support, researching and all of those people in the NHS who came to our aid and helped our recovery our story could've been so different.

When people ask me what I want for my birthday I always say, I don't want anything, just please donate to APP because that means more to me than any gift (and I mean that in the most non-cringey way!).

It is so important that research continues, this awful illness is so soul destroying and confusing to suffer, it leaves you feeling robbed of what is supposed to be a magical life event so it's vitally important to find out the real reason it happens so that people can move forward and be happy.

The more we shout about it, the more people will recognise the signs in the loved ones - awareness is key. I said to Sarah the other day, I'd love to do a run or something to raise money but the reality is I'm unfit and don't have the time with 3 toddlers to train and that's where Sarah said she'd skydive for me!'

You can add your support for Sarah's skydive challenge here.

Thank you so much to both of you for sharing your story, and good luck to Sarah for your skydive, we can't wait to hear all about it!

12 August 2024

Matt's on a Mission for APP!

This year, Matt, a dad of two from Fleetwood in Lancashire, has been on a mission to get fit at the same time as raising funds and awareness for APP.

He set himself the challenge of taking on a half marathon AND a triathlon before the end of September, and has been building up to these with lots of running, swimming and cycling throughout the year. Here Matt explains what he's doing and why he decided to take on this epic challenge:

'At the beginning of the year, I started a health and fitness journey to help myself and my wellbeing. I am now really enjoying this with many challenges already complete and more to come:

4 x 10k runs complete
A half marathon coming up on 25th August (my first ever)
A sprint triathlon made up of 400m swim, 20km bike and a 5K run (my first ever) on 22nd September
I am now toying with the idea of a marathon in 2025!!!

I thought that this would also be an ideal opportunity to help raise some funds and awareness for a charity. After doing some research it was a no brainer! APP was the charity I chose with it being a charity that me and my family can relate to having being personally affected by this illness.

Watching my then partner, now wife, go through postpartum psychosis was really tough. What was supposed to be a happy and exciting time in our lives adding a second child to our already perfect family, turned out a very difficult and testing period for my wife (especially) and I.

When this illness hit, I was not aware what it was, or how this was caused and we had to contact our local midwife team, who then explained in what my wife was experiencing and how it can be helped/treated. We were then referred to our local mental health crisis team who started to diagnose and treat my wife.

This was a long process for us all but the support for my wife at this time was vital. Taking extended time periods off work and changing our short-term living arrangements amongst other changes really helped with the recovery.

It also really helped that we have a very strong and supportive family network around us.

Any funds and awareness I can raise is a massive help – even if I tell just one person about this illness, I feel like this could make a big difference.

I have had a dedicated race top made where local businesses got involved, buying a ‘sponsor’ space for a fee that went straight to my donations page. I am trying everything to get the donations in and counting on the generosity of my community to help.'

You can follow Matt's journey via his instagram page @mattymeck_fitnessjourney, and you can add your support for his mission here.

Matt - you are an inspiration! We can't wait to hear how your first ever half marathon and triathlon go - thank you so much for sharing your journey with us and for your support for APP.

1 August 2024

Sarah's ToughMudder for APP

APP supporter Sarah Pujol is taking on the gruelling Tough Mudder South West obstacle course to help raise funds for APP and awareness of postpartum psychosis (PP).

Sarah has chosen to take on this challenge to mark three years to the day that she became unwell with PP after the birth of her daughter.

She wants to celebrate how far she's come and use her recovery journey to inspire and make a difference.

Sarah says: 'Tough Mudder, with its gruelling physical and mental challenges, serves as a symbolic representation of my belief that today, there's nothing I cannot overcome. The obstacles on the course reflect the hurdles life throws at us, and as I navigate mud pits and conquer towering walls, I'll be proving to myself and others that, after facing the darkest moments of my life, resilience and inner strength can conquer all.'

She's chosen to support APP through this event because 'APP introduced me to a community of genuine and caring people who helped me navigate the loneliness and complexities of this illness, and played a huge part in my recovery.'

Sarah is now a volunteer peer supporter for APP herself, supporting women and families who have also been affected by PP.

She will be providing regular updates on her training and her progress on the day of her challenge via her instagram page, plus you can read more and add your support for this challenge here.

Thank you Sarah and good luck!

18 June 2024

Cee Jae's 12 hour gameathon for APP

APP supporter Cee Jae has been raising awareness and funds for APP via live streaming their xbox games to Twitch for a while, but now Cee Jae has decided to step up their efforts even further, and on 30th June they will be holding an epic one off, 12 hour non stop streaming event, during which they will also share snippets of their journey through postpartum psychosis, alongside their gaming community gang.

Cee Jae is passionate about raising awareness of PP and of APP and says: 'I received some very meaningful support from APP on recovering from postnatal psychosis myself back a few years ago, so this cause is crucial to me.'

Cee Jae has shared some photos with us, saying 'These are from the time when me and Henri were in the MBU and when he came to visit me with his grandmother when I was in acute wards during my time through PP.

The photo of me and him all grown up (main photo above) is us today, five years later, still healing from the memories myself and still making more beautiful memories with my little dude.

It really is an understatement when I say that I am passionate about spreading awareness. My experience fuels my desire to fundraise for your organisation.'

You can add your support for Cee Jae via JustGiving here.

Follow Cee Jae on their Twitch channel (username mush_roomgoblin)

They are promoting their fundraiser, and more details about their recovery from APP in their discord server too.

30th June also just happens to be Cee Jae's birthday - what a great way to celebrate! We're so grateful to you for choosing to spend your birthday doing this for APP!

UPDATE 26th October 2024

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