Mother and Baby Unit Pamper Packs
A huge thank you to APP volunteer Gemma for organising pamper packs to be delivered to each of the UKs 22 Mother and Baby Units (MBUs). Gemma delivered pamper packs to the Derby, Nottingham and Stafford MBUs in December, and APPs Peer Support Facilitator Jo Derry helped to send pamper packs to the other MBUs in January.
The packs included make-up items from Boots UK and Soap & Glory to help mums feel special, and leaflets about APP’s peer support for women and families. Gemma organised the packs as a way of giving mums a little bit of “me time” to help their recovery, alongside the invaluable help and treatment the MBUs provide.
Gemma has been a volunteer with APP since 2018, and has also held fundraisers for us. She says “I suffered with postpartum psychosis in 2017. Through this I gained an understanding of severe anxiety and depression and wanted to train as a peer supporter in 2018 in order to support others through their recovery journey. I also support the Birmingham project through attending the cafe group and really enjoy making a positive impact on others’ recovery. At Christmas 2019 I returned to my own MBU in Stafford and was able to thank staff and provide a small amount of pamper packs. At Christmas 2020, and again in 2021/22 I wanted to reach every MBU in the UK. I feel this is such an important step for mums not only to promote relaxation and self-care, but more importantly to raise awareness of APP, the support available and the ways in which they can get in touch.”
We have received some lovely feedback from MBUs across the UK. The Nottingham MBU said: “Massive thankyou to APP for the very generous gifts for our mums at Christmas. It is very much appreciated.” The East London MBU said: “Thank you so much to APP for donating amazing pamper packs for our lovely mums on the ward”.
Thank you to Gemma and Jo for all your hard work in organising and delivering the packs to the MBUs.