UPLIFT

Understanding Perinatal mental heaLth Inequality iN reFugees and Those seeking asylum

What is the study about?
UPLIFT aims to improve mental health support for women in the UK who are, or have been, asylum seekers or refugees and have experienced mental health difficulties during or after pregnancy. Many women in this group face serious challenges—such as trauma, stigma, isolation, and poor access to care—at a time when support is most needed. The project works closely with women with lived experience, local charities, and community partners. The study hopes workshops will provide space to talk, connect, and guide future research. The goal is to make sure that the voices of asylum-seeking and refugee women are heard, and that mental health services become more inclusive and easier to access.

Who can take part?
Social media:

  • Anyone interested in the project is welcome to follow, watch, and engage with our content on TikTok and Instagram. This includes individuals with lived experience, professionals, community members, and supporters.

Workshops and focus groups:
The following people are invited to take part in workshops and focus groups:

  • Women and birthing people living in the UK
  • Who are currently seeking asylum or have previously sought asylum
  • Or who have refugee status
  • And who have experienced mental health difficulties during or after pregnancy

These sessions are designed to be safe, supportive spaces where people can share experiences and help shape future research.

What is involved?
Participants can choose how they’d like to be involved. They may follow the project on social media to watch and share videos about perinatal mental health and wellbeing. Those who are eligible can join workshops—online or in person—to share their experiences and ideas. These sessions will help researchers identify and translate the most pressing needs from a large community of experts by experience into research priorities.

How can people get involved?
Follow the project on social media: Instargram: @_me.and.ma , TikTok: @me_and_ma25 or email: lypft.uplift@nhs.net