A mental health charity is set to provide more support for Bromley mums after a further two years funding was confirmed.

Mindful Mums is run by Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich Mind and is commissioned by NHS Bromley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

The programme works with mums, regardless of their mental health history, to stay well during pregnancy and after birth.

Dawn Newman-Cooper, of Bromley CCG said: "This is a crucial time to support new mums as maternal depression is shown to have a negative impact on how parents interact with children and can have long-term consequences if left untreated. It is the leading cause of suicide during pregnancy and in the first year after giving birth.

"The Mindful Mums programme aims to prevent mental health issues from developing in pregnant women and new mums and we have seen great improvements in this area."

Ben Taylor, chief executive of the charity, said the Mindful Mums programme has helped over 600 pregnant women since launching in Bromley in 2016.

He added: "Women who access Mindful Mums tell us that they really value the social and peer support, improved confidence and learning new skills.

"We are delighted that Bromley CCG has awarded funding to enable us to continue this important work in the Borough for a further two years and support many more women through the wellbeing groups and befriending scheme."

One mum, who has benefited from the programme and wished to stay anonymous, said: "I got involved because I had a tough time after the birth of my first child. I felt completely out of control, like I was a rubbish mum and doing everything wrong, and I felt very lonely.

"I believe that this programme helps mums to know that they are not alone, and that they are all doing a really good job and that they need to have more confidence in themselves. I wanted to help other mums who might feel like I felt as it was not a nice place to be."