ACT Government provides welcome relief for local families

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre welcomes the increased support for the wellbeing of expecting and new families by the ACT Government today through the COVID 19 Mental Health Support Package.

This is a timely announcement as today is World Maternal Mental Health Day reminding us that it is quite common to experience perinatal mental health issues, and that local services such as Perinatal Wellbeing Centre can help.

“We have experienced a 40% increase in new clients this quarter which is an extraordinary surge in demand. It’s not surprising that pregnant and new parents are feeling a little overwhelmed at present”, commented CEO, Dr Yvonne Luxford. “Parents have experienced layers of stress building up with the bushfires, smoke and now a pandemic. It’s great to see people reaching out for some assistance when they need it.”

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre is continuing to provide ongoing telephone and email counselling plus online yoga classes for clients. This funding will assist us to roll out online support groups which will play a vital role in reducing isolation and fostering connections while face to face activities such as
playgroups and mothers’ groups are suspended. If you would like to talk to us about becoming a client please call 6288 1936. No referral is needed.

“We are also running an appeal at the moment called #cakedit as a fun replacement for Cake Off that was scheduled for May. Everyone can join in by challenging themselves to replicate a cake of their choice, or challenging somebody else. We are hoping to fill social media with colourful cakes
and hopefully a fair share of disasters, along with encouraging everyone to donate to our service through the website www.perinatalwellbeingcentre.org.au”.

For further comment:

Yvonne Luxford: 0420537211

Download the media release here.