Mini post boxes are popping up across the UK to support new mums experiencing perinatal and postnatal mental health issues
Keep your eyes peeled for one of these mini post boxes while you’re out and about this March, as a national campaign by Red Letter Days has launched to raise awareness for pre- and postnatal mental health.
Those who want to get involved simply need to write a thoughtful message inside a Mother’s Day card to an anonymous new mum, and post it in one of these mini post boxes (not Royal Mail ones) in an unsealed envelope.
Launched by mental health charity PANDAS and experience gift company Red Letter Days, it’s hoped the campaign will encourage more conversations around motherhood and mental health.
One in five new mums experience perinatal and postnatal mental health problems, while 56 per cent of parents with children under five admit to experiencing loneliness*.
From 9 to 22 March, 20 per cent of sales from selected Red Letter Days Mother’s Day gifts will also go directly to PANDAs, to help raise funds for the work they do in supporting families affected by perinatal mental health conditions.
There’ll be 20 bespoke Red Letter Days mini post boxes cropping up across the UK. And after all the letters have been collected, they’ll be delivered to groups of new and expectant mums on Mother’s Day.
“We’re really excited to partner with Red Letter Days on its Mother’s Day campaign this year. The common narrative is that this should be the happiest time in a woman’s life, but the reality is less glamorous,” says Annie Belasco, head of charity at PANDAS Foundation.
“It’s so important to talk about perinatal illness in the mainstream, and remind parents that it’s okay not to be okay when you have a new baby.”
Where can I find the post boxes?
The post boxes will be available in the following locations:
- Biscuiteers, 13 Northcote Rd, London SW11 1NG
- Stanfords, 7 Mercer Walk, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9FA
- Cuckooz Nest, 24 Ray St, Farringdon, London EC1R 3DJ
- Stepney City Farm, Stepney Way, Stepney Green, London E1 3DG
- Pickled Pepper Pot Books, 10 Middle Ln, Crouch End, London N8 8PL
- BOXPARK Croydon, 99 George St, Croydon CR0 1LD
- BOXPARK Wembley, 18 Olympic Way, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 0JT
- Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip St, Bristol, BS3 4EA
- Bristol Aquarium, Anchor Rd, Bristol BS1 5TT
- Jubilee Library, Jubilee St, Brighton, BN1 1GE
- Brighton Women’s Centre, 22 Richmond Pl, Brighton BN2 9NA
- Cardiff Central Library Hub, The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1FL
- Canton Library, 4 Library St, Cardiff CF5 1QD
- Penylan Library and Community Centre, Pen-Y-Lan Rd, Cardiff CF23 5HW
- Wigwam Coffee Shop, 70 Rose Ln, Liverpool L18 8AG
- Victoria Gallery & Museum, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3DR
- Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley St, Manchester, M2 3JL
- Mama Sanctuary, 1 Prince’s St, Stockport SK1 1SL
- Magna Science Adventure Centre, Magna Way, Rotherham, S60 1FD
- Eureka! National Children’s Museum, Discovery Rd, Halifax, HX1 2NE
- Museum of Childhood, 42 High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1TG
- RedBox Marchmont, 2-6 Spottiswoode Rd, Edinburgh EH9 1BQ
- Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH
- The Maple Tree Children & Family Centre, Littleworth Road, Wheately, Oxford, OX33 1NW
What if I can’t make it to one of the post boxes?
Should you be unable to make it to one of the post box locations, simply post your card to Red Letter Days Campaign, c/o Keyboards & Dreams, Ground Floor, 34-35 Hatton Garden, EC1N 8DX.
Red Letter Days also suggests including your name, age, and a bit about yourself and your family in your message, keeping messages positive, friendly and sensitive.
To find out more, visit redletterdays.co.uk.
*Numbers based upon research published in November 2019 by Coram Family and Childcare; and this article from Mind.
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