All posts by Fliss Lambert

Miles for Mums and Babies 2024

A massive thank you to everyone who has taken part in our 2024 Miles for Mums and Babies challenge so far.  We have been so inspired by the number of supporters getting involved and amazed by all the different ways you've come up with to complete your miles - from roller skating to swimming to cycling and dancing, and of course lots of running and walking too.

Here's a round up of some of our Miles for Mums and Babies stars of 2024...

Team Challenges

We love it when teams of healthcare professionals decide to take on a challenge for us. We know how much work goes into these and we’re so grateful for your support!

The Margaret Oates MBU (Mother and Baby Unit) in Nottingham took part in Miles for Mums and Babies for the second year in a row raising nearly £500. This year they covered 365 miles - the physical journey between the Nottingham MBU and Belfast in support of APP’s campaign to raise awareness of the urgent need to a MBU in Northern Ireland.

The team at The Beeches MBU in Derbyshire decided to go for a massive 1240 miles, raising an incredible £1,270. They chose this number as their MBU opened in 1993 and on average they help 40 families a year so it was one mile for every mum or family The Beeches has supported since opening. They covered their miles on team walks, lots of dog walks, got some of the mums they are supporting involved and had a great time.

The Andersen MBU in Manchester initially planned to go for 500 miles but after a flying start they soon upped their target to 750 and ended their challenge on an amazing 951 miles! They've raised an excellent £100 so far and have other events in the pipeline - look out for three of their team taking part in the Manchester Half marathon later this year! Some of the team also took part in our APP team tutu walk in Manchester in May – thank you so much for joining us on the day and supporting the APP team.

The North Wales Perinatal Team each walked, ran, cycled or swam 141 miles throughout the month of May, representing the distance from South Stack on Anglesey to Ribbelemere MBU in Chorley.  They say: 'This is where we admit women most often for the highest level of support when they become unwell in the perinatal period. While the support they receive is undoubtedly to a high standard it is a long way for women to be away from their homes and families while they recover.' The team raised a fantastic £350 through their challenge and say they loved being part of it for the second year in a row!

The fab folk at the Suffolk Perinatal Mental Health team walked 1400 miles between them over the month – to raise awareness of the number of new mums who are diagnosed with postpartum psychosis each year. Across a number of different fundraising pages, they raised an amazing total of £2,220 - incredible work! Thank you.

Team of cheering people wearing APP t-shirts and holding APP balloons

A big group from the Humber Perinatal Mental Health Liaison Team all chose to cover 99km each during May to raise awareness, foster empathy, and generate vital funds to ensure that individuals facing PP receive the support they need.  And they did indeed raise an amazing amount - £1,300! Thank you so much - a huge achievement.

 

A big thank you to all the teams taking part this year!

Individuals

Several of our individual fundraisers are back for their second year - Lisa and her lovely friends completed a five hour walk, raising £1,000 in the process; and amazing Becky chose to repeat her epic 5k a day in May challenge for the second time! Kayleigh and her husband Dave loved their challenge last year so much that they decided to do it again this year, this time walking 27 miles in a single day - the distance from their house in Sunderland to the MBU in Morpeth.

Big congratulations too go to our new Miles for Mums and Babies challengers including Karin who walked a massive 38 miles in a day; Hannah, who ran 50 miles in May; friends Carly and Jessica who raised nearly £1000 between them doing 5k a day; Sarah who walked 300 miles in a month, including a very wet climb up Mount Snowdon; Hannah, a perinatal mental health practitioner in Northern Ireland who ran 50k in May; Nia in Wales who completed 60 miles; Tegan, also in Wales, who aimed for 50 miles but finished on 58! Some challenges are still in progress, including Nicola who is swimming 17 miles - representing the distance her husband had to travel to visit her when she was unwell.

Gwen deserves an extra special shout out as our single biggest Miles for Mums and Babies fundraiser this year - raising over £4,000 with her 96 mile walk - an unbelievable achievement.

kate in her APP tshirt in her gardenKate is also taking on the challenge for the first time this year, she's in the process of walking 100 miles during May and June and has given us this update: 'I am really enjoying my walking. On about 70 miles now. I have been able to make lots of people aware of PP and the difference to postnatal depression which everyone has heard of!  I still can’t believe that so many have never heard of it.  So pleased to actually do something positive to help you after 34 years of my first episode.'

So many of our fundraisers have bravely shared their own stories of their experiences of postpartum psychosis, helping to raise awareness and understanding of the illness.

A huge thank you to every single fundraiser who has taken part so far this year, and to every donor who has supported them.  The funds raised will go a really long way to helping us support even more mums and families affected by postpartum psychosis.


If you're feeling inspired by all this incredible activity, it's never too late to get involved - you can take on a Miles for Mums and Babies challenge whenever you want to - just drop Fliss an email and she'll help you come up with a plan!  Or alternatively you could take on an organised challenge - we have access to places in all sorts of events all over the country - find out more here.

Double your donation with Kind2Mind

Double the donation, double the impact

Action on Postpartum Psychosis are delighted to have been chosen to be part of another Big Give match funding campaign. Our Big Give Kind2Mind campaign starts today, Tuesday 14th May, as part of national Mental Health Awareness Week.

This means that from noon on 14th May to noon on 28th May, every donation we receive via our campaign page on The Big Give website (www.bit.ly/APPBigGive2024) will be doubled, thanks to match funding from The Big Give.

So, if you’d like to donate to APP over the next fortnight, we would be so grateful – and your donation would have DOUBLE the impact – you donate £5, APP will receive £10; you donate £25, APP receives £50 and so on.

Our target for the month is to reach £2,500 in donations – which would mean a total of £5,000 raised.

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.

When a mum is diagnosed with PP, the impact of the illness on her loved ones can be significant, and we want to be there for them. We provide one-to-one support and dedicated café groups for dads, co-parents and grandparents and vital information when they need it most.

Will you donate today and get your donation doubled?

We're so grateful for your support – every single donation we receive really does make a big difference to the work we do.

If you aren’t able to donate at the moment, we totally understand – but please do share our campaign with others if you can.

That link again is www.bit.ly/APPBigGive2024 - only donations through that page will be doubled. You'll also find shareable posts on our social media feeds over the next couple of weeks.

Now could also be a great time to think about holding a Big Bake event! Find out more here...

Everyone is Here to Help – A healing account of postpartum psychosis and recovery

When her son was only two weeks old, Ruth was sectioned and admitted to a Mother and Baby Unit where she was treated for postpartum psychosis.

While there, she took copious notes, photographs and had lengthy correspondences by text with her family. Ruth’s detailed notes and messages allow for a unique insight into the experience of this complex and often frightening condition.

Published on 30th April, to mark Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, Ruth has written a memoir which uses these materials to reconstruct her experience alongside insights and reflections from a well perspective.

An extract

One morning in December 2020, just after my son turned one, my mind busied with thoughts and memories: they flooded me. I took a green pack of post-its and started jotting down thoughts and memories, and didn’t stop until a couple of hours later. What I was writing were reflections from after our beautiful baby boy was born. Two weeks into motherhood, I became seriously ill with postpartum psychosis and was admitted to a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) two hours away from where we lived. There, I was sectioned under the Mental Health Act and remained for five weeks and five days.

In a very short space of time I went from the strength and excitement of being a new mum, to the miserable fall of mental instability and unreality. It was terrifying. I felt it unfair and unlucky to have suffered in this way, but blessed that there was a bed available for me so I was not separated from our gorgeous baby boy.

I have referred to the unit fondly and simply as ‘MBU' throughout this book, as that’s the name we used at the time and since. This book was written predominantly for myself. I felt, if I wrote everything down, I could move on more easily and would help the last stages of healing: that it could give me some closure and quieten my mind again. I used my diary, the notes in my phone, photographs, phone messages and hospital paperwork to help me piece together a coherent picture of what I had gone through. 

Even with these to help me, I have found that the great swings in emotion throughout each day, and the new light that hindsight and health have cast on those experiences, has made it hard to keep the story as clean and clear as I might wish it could be. I also strongly believe that I owe it to my ‘ill self' to give her a voice, as even though she was ill, wrong, delusional – she still existed. And so although I have written it mostly retrospectively, from a place of relative health, I have kept the first person notes made at the time, to ensure that her voice is heard and that every version of the events that transpired there is represented. These ramblings are often muddled, confused and nonsensical, and I should warn those of you who are reading this that it is not always a happy place to be. 

I have also chosen to include messages between me and my family, because they were such a crucial element of my experience and recovery, and to whom I am always thankful, ever thankful. These are conversations between myself and my parents, my husband, and my sister – people with whom I was in constant daily contact. Again, they express the raw emotions we experienced, and the help I received during my time there. Writing this book has been highly emotional – embarrassing at times. I also know that witnessing me become so unwell cannot have been easy for any of my family or friends. It pains me to think of my husband waving goodbye to his wife and baby boy - barely three weeks old. The cruelty of false reality: I am not sure who it is more upsetting or frustrating for.

I'd be lying if I said what happened to me was completely behind me, that I feel nothing but positivity from the experience, as that isn't the case. Recovery isn't linear. I still have days where I cry at the drop of a hat, feel that life was unfair, I sometimes wonder what life would be like if I hadn’t been admitted. At times I still feel that I missed out terribly on Eddie's first few weeks and I just get days where I feel cross and angry and upset, and maybe I can't even put my wild emotions into words.   

I could not, however, have made the swift recovery I did without the dedication of the staff at MBU, their Outreach Team, the Perinatal Mental Health Team and also the unlimited love, support and encouragement from my incredible family and friends. Thank you all for being so strong for me throughout this strange and truly challenging experience. I wish you all peace and hope in your minds, health in your bodies and love in your hearts.

I also wrote this book with the hope that women who have experienced postpartum psychosis, or have had negative experiences with mental illness, may learn something from what I have been through - that some may find focus and strength in my story - and that perhaps healthcare professionals and carers alike might gain insight into this serious illness by reading my story.

Ruth's book about her experience of postpartum psychosis is available to buy now from Foyles, Waterstones and Amazon, with 2% from the sale of each copy going to APP. 

Miles for Mums and Babies 2024

APP's 2024 Miles for Mums and Babies challenge kicks off today, 1st May, World Maternal Mental Health Day.

With more people than ever before already signed up, we're so excited to see and hear how everyone gets on with their challenges.

There are whole teams on board from many MBUs and perinatal mental health teams including the Margaret Oates MBU in Nottingham, The Beeches MBU in Derby, the Andersen Ward in Manchester, the BCUHB team in North Wales, the Suffolk Perinatal Mental Health team and the Humber Perinatal Mental Health Liaison team.  The teams will be covering thousands of miles between them - walking, running, cycling, swimming and more - we're really looking forward to all your updates!

Lots of individuals are taking part across the UK too - including Lisa who will be completing a five hour walk with a group of friends, Hannah - aiming to run 50k in May, Kate who's planning 100 miles in a month and Carly, who along with friends, is going to cover 5k a day in May.  These are just a few of our amazing fundraisers getting involved this month - we'll be celebrating all of them throughout this month so keep an eye on our website and social media for updates.

Thank you to everyone who has already signed up, and to all those supporting them. You really are making a difference.

And it's definitely not too late to get involved if you'd still like to join our amazing team of Miles for Mums and Babies fundraisers - you can get going with a challenge any time you like - we focus our challenge in May as part of Maternal Mental Health Awareness week, but you're welcome to pick any time that suits you.

Find out more, and receive your free Miles for Mums and Babies pack by emailing fundraising@app-network.org or completing this short form.

APP’s Review of "The Cord” now playing at the Bush Theatre in London

Bijan Sheibani’s new play, The Cord, explores the intergenerational impact of postpartum psychosis - of becoming a father with knowledge of your own mother’s PP many years before.

Bijan - an award-winning director (Netflix’s One Day, The Arrival, Morning Song) - worked with APP to research the experiences of women who had become grandparents after PP, and of adult children whose mums had experienced PP.

APP’s Chief Executive, Dr Jess Heron, reviews "The Cord”: 

'Most couples, struggling with a new baby, experience sleeplessness, anxiety and burnout, but it is the unsaid in this play which enthrals.

Bijan captures the realities of new fatherhood, motherhood and grandparenthood with beautifully crafted dialogue. Through the comfortable and funny domestic realism, we gradually become aware of an unresolved, unspoken, hinterland - which a new baby has the power to detonate in the present. We witness the newborn’s ability to at once give joy and pleasure, rake up pain; and fracture present relationships: loving son with his mother; husband with his wife; father with his newborn; and son in law with his in-laws. All are affected by the power of this past ‘illness' yet this is only obliquely referred to and remains largely hidden throughout the play.

The postnatal narrative is somewhat turned on its head. We expect the young mother, Anya, to be the one struggling, not her partner, Ash. The slow-burn range of emotions he suffers, as he lives the marginalisation of fatherhood, is set within the context of two typically supportive, doting families, both seemingly operating with the very best of intentions. This normality, with an underbelly hiding something more, makes for an edgy juxtaposition - and has us wanting to scream: “Communicate: things are unravelling!”

Instead, throughout the play, we get weighty pauses and brief superficial responses between all three characters until, like a pressure cooker, the lid comes off. The exchanges between Anya and Ash are so realistic, yet, particularly in Ash's dreams, we realise that something else, something heavier is at play. Ash struggles to find an outlet for his own emotions and mental health experiences in the spaces between the needs of the other characters.

The climax sees Ash finally break down and hit out at his mother about not talking to him about what has been hinted at throughout: the losses, guilt and shame of her postpartum psychosis, and resulting physical disability, some 30 years before. Despite her deep and abiding love for her son and her delight at the arrival of a new grandson, this unspoken experience of mental illness has the power to impact the family many years later. Similarly, the new baby has awakened the memories of postnatal mental illness for Ash's mother who wonders whether she will be accepted as as safe as the normal in-laws.

Who should watch this play: 

We wouldn’t recommend this as a watch for anyone newly recovering from PP; those feeling vulnerable, struggling with parenting - or perhaps indeed anyone who has experienced PP and is not yet a grandparent. Postpartum psychosis is not specifically mentioned, just alluded to. It is set at a time when there was much more stigma and secrecy around PP. We feel the play might increase anxiety for people who have had PP about how our adult children will perceive us, or how they may struggle with mental health themselves. It is a story about the journey to fatherhood of one family and the stresses involved when two families become one. While PP is relevant to the family backstory - it’s not a play about PP and not intended to represent the PP experience.

It is a beautifully written, beautifully choreographed, beautifully scored production and will be of interest to anyone with an interest in parenthood, relationships, and the mental health of fathers in particular. It may be of interest to grandparents who had PP many years ago. Similarly, it will be thought-provoking for the adult children of people who have had PP and may reflect - or be in stark contrast - to their own experiences of becoming a parent.' 

The Cord is showing at The Bush theatre, Shepherds Bush, London until 25th May 2024. Find out more here.

Go #TeamAPP! Introducing our 2024 TCS London Marathon runners

We're so excited to have four fabulous runners taking part in the world famous TCS London Marathon this year.

On Sunday 21st April, APP supporters Lauren-Nicole, Rebecca, Luke and Lee will be lining up alongside 40,000 runners as part of this epic event.

Lauren-Nicole headshotLauren-Nicole is an award winning writer and actress who is passionate about raising awareness of PP. Her play BABYNUN XO follows the stories of five sisters as one explores the impact of PP which unites and fractures them further. You can read more about Lauren-Nicole here.

Lauren-Nicole is a first time marathon runner. She says: 'I know if I think about the reason I am running and the charity I am raising money for it will absolutely keep me strong and get me through the tough times.”

Add your support for Lauren-Nicole here


RebeccaRebecca is a real inspiration, having gone from being a total beginner runner to her first marathon! She started last summer with a 'Couch to 5km' and this weekend she'll be lining up for the most famous marathon in the world.  She says:

'When I got a ballot place in the marathon, I knew which cause I wanted to support. 12 years ago, I hadn’t heard of postpartum psychosis. Following the birth of my first daughter and ‘out of the blue,’ I experienced an episode of postpartum psychosis.  After the birth of my second daughter in 2014 I stayed well and had no recurrence of PP.  Raising awareness about this illness is crucial to ensure timely intervention and support for the mums and families affected. With your help we can support even more women and families affected by PP, break down stigma and raise awareness.'

Add your support for Rebecca here


Selfie of Luke in his purple APP t-shirtLuke is taking on the London Marathon as his way of giving something back.  He says:
'Running the London Marathon to support my sister-in-law and raise funds / awareness for Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP), the charity for mums and families affected by postpartum psychosis. Every step counts in our journey to raise awareness and support those affected.  This charity has, and currently is, supporting my family, so I want use this opportunity to give something back.
Please give what you can afford. They are a relatively small UK based charity, so every penny truly counts.'

Add your support for Luke here


Lee is a familiar face to APP supporters, having already taken on more than a dozen challenges to raise funds and awareness over the last 18 months. The London Marathon is a bucket list dream for him and the icing on the cake for us!

You can read more about all of Lee's amazing fundraising adventures, and add your support for his final event, here


Training for a marathon is a huge commitment in both time and effort, and we want to say a massive thank you to all our runners - we're in awe of what they have achieved. We hope they all have a brilliant day and wear their medals with pride at the finish line!

If you happen to be in London this Sunday, do look out for #TeamAPP and give them all a huge cheer as they run past!


As APP has been unable to obtain any charity places in the London Marathon for a few years, all our runners this year secured their own places through the general public ballot or via other routes. We're so grateful to all of them for choosing to support us in this way.

We would love to have APP runners in the 2025 London Marathon - the public ballot opens on Saturday 20th April - so if you're feeling inspired, why not try your luck and see if you can score a place then run for us - you can submit an entry request here.

Award-winning Blackpool writer runs London Marathon to raise awareness of postpartum psychosis

Blackpool writer and actress, Lauren-Nicole Mayes, is about to take on her biggest challenge yet as she gears up for Sunday’s London Marathon in aid of the national perinatal mental health charity, Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP).

Born and bred in Blackpool, Lauren broke into the world of writing having noticed a lack of stories representing the working-class women who raised her. Her first play BABYNUN XO premiered at The Lowry as part of a research and development week, following the story of Isabella and Mike and explored the impact of postpartum psychosis (PP) in all of it’s hilarity vs despair mentality. The piece has since developed as a TV idea and  follows the stories of five sisters as one explores the impact of PP which unites and fractures them further. It has been picked up by It’s All Made Up Prod and now has a broadcaster attached.

Lauren-Nicole headshotLauren said: “When I was researching Babynun XO I spent a huge amount of time speaking to APP’s community of women and families affected by postpartum psychosis – a serious postpartum mental illness that affects around 1,400 women each year. I saw first-hand how vital the charity is when it comes to helping people recover from this devastating illness, and I can’t think of a better cause to fundraise for.”

Postpartum psychosis affects 1-2 in every thousand births in the UK and it can occur completely out of the blue in women with no previous mental health problems. Symptoms include extreme elation or euphoria, sudden mood changes and the rapid onset of unusual beliefs. Women may also experience visual and auditory hallucinations, extreme confusion and anxiety.  It’s a serious illness that should always be considered a medical emergency, however, most women do go on to make a full recovery with the right treatment and support.  In the Blackpool area, APP runs in-person peer support ‘café groups’ as well as providing one-to-one peer support for families affected by PP.

Lauren has been training hard for the past few months in order to take on this significant challenge, something she has had on her bucket list for several years. She said: “I’ve never really considered myself a serious runner before deciding to take on the London Marathon. I used to run 5km and park runs, but since signing up to the Marathon it has become all-consuming. I can’t believe I am now running 30 kilometres on a Saturday each week!

“You can become so fixated on the end goal, but the training in itself, both from a physical and psychological point of view, is a marathon in its own right. It’s safe to say I’m feeling nervous but I keep reminding myself that I am limitless, and I know if I think about the reason I am running and the charity I am raising money for it will absolutely keep me strong and get me through the tough times.”

In 2023 Lauren was selected for BBC Writers Room: Northern Voices where she developed her ideas for TV. More recently, she was chosen as one of the final two writers for the inaugural regional Breakthrough Writers Programme by WARP Films for her original series idea SHIT.GOD.SHIT which was also a stage play.

Felicity Lambert, APP’s National Fundraising Co-ordinator said: “We are all in awe at Lauren’s commitment and passion for fundraising for APP. Running a marathon is no mean feat, and we know that she will not only do us proud on the day, but she has also been raising lots of awareness for the charity and for postpartum psychosis more broadly in the run up as well. We are so grateful for all her support – both in terms of her fundraising efforts and of course the stories she is telling on stage and screen. The more people who know about postpartum psychosis, the more quickly women can be diagnosed and the more lives can be saved.”

Lauren is aiming to raise £1000 for APP by taking part in the London Marathon.
To support her, visit her fundraising page

APP's big weekend of running!

This weekend sees 10 APP fundraisers taking to the streets, covering over 200km between them, taking part in events from Paris to Fleetwood! 

Brighton Marathon

We have three amazing runners taking on the Brighton Marathon this Sunday - Mollie, Chris and Gen.

Mollie in her purple APP topMollie is an experienced APP fundraiser, having already taken part in the Hackney Half for us last year.
She is supporting APP after one of her best friends suffered from PP after the birth of her son. She's been training hard and we can't wait to see how she gets on!
Add your support for Mollie here.

 

 

Chris standing in front of a gate in his APP tshirt

Chris is running in Brighton after attending an event last year where he learnt about postpartum psychosis and the affect it can have on families.
Chris has been keeping a close track of all his training and has an impressive number of stats under his belt:

  • Week one of training - Monday 18th Dec
  • Total runs completed - 60
  • Total miles run - 403
  • Total elevation - 11674 ft
  • Total time running - 66 hours 34 mins
  • Approx Calories 53,325

Add your support for Chris here.

Gen is passionate about supporting and raising awareness of women's mental health issues.
Through fundraising for the Brighton Marathon, Gen has found many people have been in touch who have been affected by PP or other mental health issues.  
Add your support for Gen here.

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Paris Marathon

A selfie of James smiling with a sunset behind himJames is our first ever Paris Marathon runner - he's running in memory of one of his sister's closest friends, who lost her life to PP.
He wants to raise awareness of PP and help prevent anyone else going through this in future.
Add your support for James here.

 

 

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London Landmarks

Sisters Rosie & Lillie chose to take on the London Landmarks Half Marathon this weekend because Rosie spent time in hospital with postpartum mental health issues after the birth of her baby.
They really want to raise awareness and help other families affected.
Support the sisters here.

 

Sarah in her APP vestSarah is taking part in the London Landmarks after hearing about our place through a friend at her running club and is aiming for a sub 2 hour marathon this weekend!
Add your support for Sarah here.

 

 

 

Jenna in her purple APP t-shirtJenna has had a long run up to the London Landmarks - having originally signed up to take part in 2023, she was forced to withdraw due to injury.  But Jenna was determined not to be defeated and has trained hard ready for the challenge this year.
Add your support for Jenna here.

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Rutland Half

Ollie and his familyOllie is taking on the Rutland Half to mark 10 years since his wife experienced PP after the birth of their daughter.
APP were there to support both him and his wife, and he wants to raise funds so we can be there to support other families. 
Add your support for Ollie here.

 

 

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Fleetwood 10k

Matt finishing a runFor Matt, the Fleetwood 10k this weekend is just the first of several events he is taking on in 2024 as part of his fitness and fundraising challenge for APP.
Find out more about what he has planned for the year.
Add your support for Matt here.

 

 

 

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Feeling inspired by all of these incredible fundraisers? Fancy taking on your own challenge for APP?

We have lots of ideas here, or you could join in with our Miles for Mums and Babies challenge this May!

Email fundraising@app-network.org if you'd like more info or want to get involved.

Action on Postpartum Psychosis nationwide awareness campaign continues

In a groundbreaking move to raise awareness about postpartum psychosis, the charity Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) has launched a powerful billboard campaign across the United Kingdom to run throughout March. The impactful initiative has been made possible through the support of the JCDecaux Community Channel and the creative design expertise of agency Mother.

Postpartum psychosis is a treatable medical emergency that affects new mothers, occurring within the first few weeks or months after childbirth. Raising awareness about this illness is crucial to ensure timely intervention and support for the mums and families affected.

The new billboard campaign aims to raise awareness about the condition and signpost to the resources and support APP offers. In addition, there will be a week of billboards promoting an appeal on behalf of the charity by author and APP ambassador Laura Dockrill which will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on 24th March.

The visually striking designs have been crafted with the pro-bono help of Mother, a renowned creative agency, and developed with leading academic experts as well as those with lived experience of postpartum psychosis. They seek to capture attention and prompt conversation on a scale that hasn’t been achieved before.

Working in partnership with the JCDecaux Community Channel, the campaign is running across digital billboards in major cities across the UK, amplifying the reach of APP's message. More than one million people a week are expected to see the billboards, which will be in high traffic areas.

Chris Dooley, Head of Social Impact at JCDecaux UK, said: “We are proud to be working in partnership with APP to raise awareness around postpartum psychosis and the support the charity offers to all those affected. The JCDecaux Community Channel creates real value through the power of the public screen and aims to amplify Out-of-Home’s role as a force for good in the community.”

The campaign kicked off on Monday 4th March, coinciding with International Women’s Day (8th) and Mother’s Day (10th). APP’s appeal with author and APP ambassador Laura Dockrill will be on BBC Radio 4 on 24th March.

Action on Postpartum Psychosis would like to thank the JCDecaux Community Channel and Mother for their invaluable support.

As we embark on this impactful campaign, APP is encouraging people to join the conversation on social media. If you see one of the billboards (and it’s safe to do so) please take a picture or video and share, tagging @ActionOnPP.

You can find out more about help and support with postpartum psychosis here.

To donate to APP’s Radio 4 appeal during appeal week starting 24th March, visit the Radio 4 Appeal webpage.

There are lots of ways to support us and get involved with APP. We'd love you to join us. Sign up to our network here.

BBC Radio 4 Appeal

BBC Radio 4 will broadcast an appeal on behalf of Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) later this month.

APP Ambassador and author, Laura Dockrill, will present the broadcast, sharing her experience of postpartum psychosis (PP) following the birth of her son. Laura describes how she spent her first Mother’s Day in a psychiatric hospital separated from her three-week old baby and how APP’s peer support helped her find connection, recovery and community.

BBC Radio 4 appeals are weekly three-minute programmes which highlight the work of charities and appeal for donations on their behalf.  Only 49 charities from across the UK are selected to make an appeal each year and APP is delighted to be part of the 2024 programme.

APP’s appeal will be broadcast live on Sunday 24th March at 7.54 am and at 9.25pm. It will then be repeated on Thursday 28th March at 3.27pm.

Dr Jess Heron, APP Chief Executive, says: “The BBC Radio 4 charity appeal is an incredible opportunity for us to raise the profile of APP on a national scale, as well as really help to raise awareness of postpartum psychosis. We want to reach as many people as possible – and we’d love our supporters to spread the word and encourage family, friends and colleagues to listen.”

To find out more, visit the Radio 4 Appeal webpage. Please note, you can only donate to this appeal via the BBC web page from 24th-30th March.

The first £25,000 received in donations will be matched by a generous APP supporter, meaning donations will go twice as far.

Sign up to our newsletter here if you'd like to receive a reminder about our BBC Radio 4 appeal nearer the time.