Self-Care Matters
1662. Alison Barrott
Alison Barrott, from Macclesfield, is the founder of the ‘Self-Care Matters’ charity which has sent over 300 self-care boxes full of toiletries, books and chocolates to specialist mother and baby psychiatric units across the UK.
Alison spent 3 months in a secure mother and baby unit in 2016 with postpartum psychosis where she relied on care packages from friends. Following her recovery Alison wanted to do the same for other women in mother and baby units who are often separated by some distance from family and friends.
In a personal letter to Alison, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Thank you for everything ‘Self-Care Matters’ has done over the last year to support women in mother and baby units.
“Inspired by your own experience you understand the unique challenges of being separated from your loved ones. Your care packages full of chocolates, toiletries and books are a wonderfully practical way of helping those in hospital wards look after their wellbeing.”
In response to receiving the award, Alison said:
“I am delighted to receive this award and for the recognition it brings to maternal mental health. I started my charity because I believe that kindness, care and compassion are free and that it’s the little things that often brighten up someones day.”