Sandra Igwe

The Motherhood Group is a social enterprise dedicated to supporting Black mothers through culturally competent care and community-based initiatives. Born from her personal experiences of racism in healthcare, postnatal depression and anxiety, Sandra has turned her pain into purpose, becoming a beacon of hope and change for Black mothers across the UK, who are 13% more likely to experience post-natal depression than any other race.

After a traumatic birth experience with her first daughter, Sandra realised the profound gaps in support available for Black women navigating motherhood. She found herself in a healthcare system that neither understood nor respected the unique challenges faced by Black mothers. Fuelled by frustration and a deep desire for change, Sandra launched The Motherhood Group in 2016 to provide the resources, support, and safe spaces she desperately needed but could not find.

Under Sandra's leadership, The Motherhood Group has grown into a vital lifeline for thousands of Black mothers. The organisation has supported over 1,400 women through its events, workshops, and peer support sessions, while also collaborating with hundreds of organisations to push for systemic change. Additionally, The Motherhood Group coordinates the annual Black Maternal Mental Health Week, a national campaign dedicated to highlighting and supporting the disparities Black mothers face in the perinatal period.

Sandra's work extends beyond direct support to mothers. The Motherhood Group delivers training to approximately 1,400 healthcare practitioners on crucial aspects of Black maternal health. The organisation also hosts the largest annual conference in the field - the Black Maternal Health Conference UK - which puts lived experiences at the forefront of discussions and policy-making.

As an innovator, Sandra is consistently developing new solutions to bridge the gap between the community of Black mothers and service providers. Her work has not only empowered individual mothers but has also shone a light on the broader issues of racial injustice in maternity care. She is challenging and changing the narrative around Black motherhood in the UK, ensuring that future generations of Black mothers are met with empathy, respect, and the care they deserve.

Additionally, The Motherhood Group coordinates the annual Black Maternal Mental Health Week, a national campaign dedicated to highlighting and supporting the disparities Black mothers face in the perinatal period.

Sandra's work extends beyond direct support to mothers. The Motherhood Group delivers training to approximately 1,400 healthcare practitioners on crucial aspects of Black maternal health. The organisation also hosts the largest annual conference in the field - the Black Maternal Health Conference UK - which puts lived experiences at the forefront of discussions and policy-making.

As an innovator, Sandra is consistently developing new solutions to bridge the gap between the community of Black mothers and service providers. Her work has not only empowered individual mothers but has also shone a light on the broader issues of racial injustice in maternity care. She is challenging and changing the narrative around Black motherhood in the UK, ensuring that future generations of Black mothers are met with empathy, respect, and the care they deserve.

Sandra Igwe said: "For years, Black women have felt invisible and silenced, especially in maternity care. With support from the National Lottery, my mission is to amplify Black voices, ensure we're seen and heard, and advocate for the changes we desperately need. It's about turning pain into purpose and creating a platform where Black mothers can thrive, be empowered, and demand the respect and care they deserve.”