Midwives Go Miles: 132-Mile Walk Across Wales for Maternal Mental Health

Midwives, families, and campaigners across Wales are coming together to walk 132 miles as part of the Midwives Go Miles campaign during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (5–11 May) — raising awareness and funds for the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA).

Led by Ann-Marie Thomas, Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Midwife at Swansea Bay Health Board, the walk highlights the urgent need to invest in midwifery-led mental health care across Wales.

“We are fortunate to have dedicated Perinatal Mental Health Midwives improving services, but more investment is needed to embed the Royal College of Midwives’ Perinatal Road Map into all maternity care,” said Ann-Marie.“Midwives hold a vital role in starting mental health conversations with families. We’ve chosen to walk across Wales, one step at a time, to raise awareness of their impact — and to honour those who face every day one step at a time.”

Home-Start Cymru, supporting the campaign, sees the need firsthand.

“Perinatal mental health issues are far too common and can be devastating if left unaddressed,” said Izzabella James, Policy & Public Affairs Manager at Home-Start Cymru.“About 1 in 5 women will experience a mental health condition during or after pregnancy. Maternal suicide remains the leading cause of direct death in the year following childbirth.

Midwives deliver powerful, life-changing support — but they need resources, collaboration, and recognition. There must be no wrong door for families seeking help.”

Join the Campaign

• Donate: justgiving.com/page/midwivesgomilesformentalhealth
• Walk Your Own Miles: Use #MidwivesGoMiles and tag MMHA and Home-Start Cymru
• Group Walks:
  • 30 April, 8 PM – Cardiff, from the Senedd to Bute Park
  • 9 May – North Wales, Queensferry to Chester with Ann-Marie, RCM Wales Director Julie Richards, and MS Sam Rowlands