Founder of award winning Cumbrian social enterprise group to step down

Katherine Dalgliesh is stepping down from her role as managing director of the Happy Mums Foundation which she set up in 2015 in response to her own experiences of post-natal depression and anxiety.

After receiving treatment at a Psychiatric Mother and Baby Unit when her first daughter was born, Katherine decided to set up a group where mums could discuss their mental health – free from judgement and stigma.

Initially she ran the groups in her spare time, but once she bid successfully for Comic Relief funding in 2016, was able to dedicate more time to the cause she felt so much passion for.

Since then, the maternal mental health group has supported hundreds of mums and mums-to-be through peer support groups in north and west Cumbria and online, and by creating paid and voluntary roles for local people.

The Cumbrian non-profit has since won several awards including Best New Cumbrian Social Enterprise in 2018 and a national Marsh award from Mind in 2021.

Katherine said: “I have been fortunate to work with some amazing people: staff, directors and volunteers who have each brought their own energy and ideas to drive the foundation forward.

“It’s because of the quality of the team we have built that I feel so confident to move on

“My three amazing kids are getting older, and I want to make sure I cherish this time with them.

“I also genuinely believe that Happy Mums will benefit from a fresh pair of eyes and new leadership, so that it is as strong and resilient as possible and continues to offer high quality peer-led support to mums in north, west and east Cumbria for many years to come.

“I want to say thank you to all the women who have attended groups and supported Happy Mums during my time here.

“I am inspired every day by the incredible community that has been built and the love and care you show towards each other.”

At least 1 in 5 women experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or within the early postnatal years.