I started this petition in pre-Brexit days (if such a thing is possible). It hasn't gone viral - which is possibly less an indication of the petition itself and more the fact that maternal mental health is not seen as that important - but I don't see any harm in it being up here indefinitely!

I met Duncan Selbie, CEO of Public England and one of those petitioned, at a conference last week. I told him of the petition and he suggested I email him directly, which I did. He has now read the petition, so it won't come as any surprise to him if it gets 'officially' sent to him. :-)

Here is what he replied: 'I wish I had an answer for you to ease the way. I recognise completely how hard it is to get funding unless you are a big third sector player, notwithstanding the majority of care and support comes through organisations, social movements and networks such as yours.

Please do though keep asking and keep going. We need you more than ever.'

Onwards and never upwards, as my 14 year old likes to say.

Maggie