Liverpool Assistant Provincial Grand Master John James and Bob Patterson, the Vice Chairman of Liverpool Group, were invited to Blackburne House to see firsthand how the very generous donation of over £57,000 from West Lancashire Freemasons would be utilised.
Upon arrival, John and Bob were warmly welcomed by Andrea and Lynne, the driving forces behind Blackburne House. It quickly became clear that both Andrea and Lynne were extremely proud and passionate about the work done by them and their dedicated team.
Nearly 900 new mothers in Liverpool experiencing postnatal depression, anxiety and isolation will receive life-changing support thanks to a £57,705 grant from West Lancashire Freemasons to Blackburne House. The grant will fund Blackburne House’s ‘Nurture to Raise a Community’ programme, a new three-year initiative offering therapeutic and wellbeing support for women across the Liverpool City region. Delivered in partnership with Liverpool Women’s Hospital, the programme addresses urgent gaps in postnatal mental health provision, particularly for women facing poverty, trauma and systemic barriers to care.
Mothers and babies will benefit from group therapy led by British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy registered counsellors, one-to-one counselling, mother-and-baby wellbeing sessions and ‘Stay and Play’ bonding activities. These services aim to strengthen early attachment, reduce isolation and empower women with tools to navigate the early stages of parenthood with confidence.
Funding from West Lancashire Freemasons will support a lead counsellor to deliver therapy, manage clinical placements and provide supervision for volunteer counsellors, ensuring a sustainable and high-quality service for over 880 women.
The programme is a response to growing concern about maternal mental health in the region. Maternal suicide is the third leading cause of maternal death in the UK. In Liverpool alone, nearly 29% of children live in relative poverty, with poor parental mental health being a significant contributing factor to negative outcomes in childhood. The grant from West Lancashire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.
Andrea Rushton, CEO of Blackburne House, said: “This grant from West Lancashire Freemasons enables us to deliver early intervention and therapeutic support at a time when mothers are most vulnerable. Our community has told us what they need, and this project is our answer. It will give women and their children the chance to heal, bond and thrive. We’re deeply grateful for this investment in the health and future of families in our city.”
John James, said: “We are thrilled to support Blackburne House and their vital efforts in assisting new mothers during such a critical time. This project will not only help women who are experiencing postnatal depression and isolation, but it will also provide their babies with the best possible start in life. This is a fantastic example of Freemasons making a meaningful difference in their communities.
