Compassion
We meet mothers without judgment.
Because when a mother heals, a family heals.
Safe Mothers Initiative is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving maternal mental health and supporting women during pregnancy and after childbirth in Sierra Leone.
Our story
Postpartum depression is often called just baby blues
Too many mothers in Sierra Leone are told to pray it away, or simply to be strong. That advice leaves women alone with a condition that is medical, common and treatable.
We were founded in 2026 and started with one support group in Freetown. Today we reach mothers across five communities with education, peer support and training for health workers.
Postpartum depression affects many mothers within the first year after delivery, and it can significantly affect both maternal wellbeing and child development. Many women experience emotional distress, anxiety and depression during the postpartum period without access to adequate support or mental health services. We exist to close that gap.
Mission
To improve maternal mental health through awareness, research, advocacy and support programmes that address postpartum depression and other maternal mental health challenges.
Vision
A world where every mother receives the mental health support, care and protection necessary for a healthy family and society.
What we stand for
Our values
Community
Healing happens together.
Dignity
Every story matters.
Access
Support should be free and close to home.
What we are working towards
Our objectives
- Raise awareness about postpartum depression and maternal mental health.
- Provide psychosocial support services for mothers experiencing postpartum depression.
- Train community volunteers and healthcare workers on maternal mental health.
- Advocate for improved maternal mental health policies and services.
- Promote research and collaboration on maternal mental health issues.
Who we serve
Target beneficiaries
Mothers
Pregnant women and new mothers in the first twelve months after delivery.
Families
Fathers, partners, grandmothers and caregivers supporting a mother at home.
Health workers
Midwives, community health officers, nurses and community health workers.
Our people
Meet the team
Our experienced team of staff, board members and volunteers are dedicated to improving maternal mental health in Sierra Leone.
Leadership
Driving the vision and strategic direction of Safe Mothers Initiative.
Professional Staff
Delivering quality services and ensuring effective program implementation.
Governance Board
Providing governance, accountability and fiduciary oversight.
Community health workers and volunteers
Our field work is carried out by community health workers and volunteers who live in the communities they serve. They run door to door sensitisation, identify mothers who may need support, and accompany them to their first support group.
Who we work with
Our partners
We work with the Ministry of Health, clinics, NGOs and community leaders.
The Woman's Place Foundation
Our partners share our commitment to improving maternal mental health outcomes in Sierra Leone through collaborative programs and shared resources.
Community health centres
Clinics whose staff have completed our postpartum depression screening training and receive our referrals.
Support this work
Every mother we reach is reached because someone gave, volunteered or opened a door for us.