The difference we make

Client testimonials

"I can't thank Perinatal Wellbeing Centre staff enough for the help they've given me. Getting PND was the first time I'd experienced any mental health issue in my life and it hit me like a brick! It was the hardest time in my life, and for a long time Perinatal Wellbeing Centre was the only support I felt I had. It's a fantastic organisation."

"The phone services was amazing and I can't speak highly enough of the fantastic women I spoke with. They helped to normalise what I was feeling and helped me to cope with some tough moments and get through the first year of parenting. I'm so appreciative of this fantastic, invaluable service. Thank you."

"I was really struggling with my mental health following the birth of my daughter. I ended up reaching out to Perinatal Wellbeing Centre and it was the best decision I could have made."

"Perinatal Wellbeing Centre supported me through many turbulent years. Staff, programs and volunteers all making a huge contribution towards the wellbeing of others. I benefited greatly and am forever thankful for the support I received."

"This was a wonderful thing for me, having a caring person ring me each week to see how my week was and offer practical and useful suggestions for how things could be different. I looked forward to Thursdays. At the start of my illness I couldn't wait for the call on Thursdays. Gradually, the Thursday call would take me by surprise - is it Thursday already? Then I was moved to fortnightly calls, and now monthly calls which shows I must be getting better. Thank you."

"Thank you so much for all the support you have given me over the last year. It is such a great service and has made the world of difference to my mental health, helping me to feel supported, normalising a lot of what I was feeling and most importantly getting me to understand that it is OK not to be perfect in everything. I really appreciate it."

"Thank you so much for all of your assistance, Perinatal Wellbeing Centre has been a huge source of support for me. I don't know where I'd be without you guys and the friendships I've made through the centre."

"I just wanted to say a big thank you for all your help over the last year or so. The programs run by Perinatal Wellbeing Centre are wonderful and it was really helpful to be able to meet with a group of people who understood what I was going through. The groups were very open and supportive."

"You saved my life once upon a time, and I hope to become well enough to assist as a volunteer some day soon."

"Just a quick note to say what a wonderful and helpful service you have offered me over the last few years through telephone support, play group and the yoga/mindfulness sessions. I haven’t needed you all the time, but the times when I have you have helped fill a gap of loneliness or lowness and helped me through. What I have received has also been a great gift for our family as a whole."

"Thank you so much for your support for the last two years, you offer a wonderful service and I wouldn't have managed without you. I am very lucky to live somewhere which has so much mental health support available."

Latest

Liz Kilby's Mental Health, Exercise and Pelvic Floor Fundraiser

A fundraiser for Perinatal Wellbeing Centre, recognising the relationship between positive perinatal mental health, pelvic floor health and recovery and exercise capability.
Perinatal Mental Health Week 2021

1 in 5 new mums and 1 in 10 new dads experience perinatal depression and anxiety, which is around 100,000 Australian parents each year. We're here, we see you! Join us for National Perinatal Mental Health Week.
Parking for Perinatal

Did you know the average cost of parking in Canberra is $15.50 per day? Put your spare change to work by setting up a recurring donation to Perinatal Wellbeing Centre and help us support local families to have the best start in life.
Family Stretch Class with Shine Om Yoga - Perinatal Wellbeing Fest

This 30-minute class is for you and your child(ren). It is an opportunity to connect and play. Please practice in a space that allows you to move safely, and have a soft toy or pillow available as we will test our balance.

How we help you

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre programs are designed to provide the support you need at every stage, and our team of Perinatal Mental Health Workers can work with you to tailor your own pathway through our services. Call 02 6288 1936 and speak to a member of our team about how you are feeling and how we can help. No diagnosis or referral is required.
What we do

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre is a community based non-government organisation providing support to families in the Australian Capital Territory. Primarily funded by ACT Health, it is staffed by experienced perinatal mental health workers and administration staff.
Donate today

Please show your support for parents and families experiencing perinatal mental health challenges by making a tax deductible donation to Perinatal Wellbeing Centre.
Support groups

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre provides support groups aimed at connecting you with others who are having similar experiences. Groups provide an opportunity to share mutual support, as well as looking at strategies to aid in recovery. To access a support group you need to first be a client of the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre. To become a client click here.
Perinatal anxiety

1 in 4 people will experience anxiety in their lifetime and for women it is more likely to occur during pregnancy or in the year following birth. As many as 1 in 5 women will experience perinatal anxiety. Certain factors, such as mental health history, complicated pregnancy or birth, or having an unwell or unsettled baby can increase the likelihood of developing perinatal anxiety.
The Cost of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety in Australia

Perinatal depression and anxiety costs $877 million a year in Australia, and that is just the beginning. Our new report 'The Cost of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety in Australia' highlights key findings on the economic costs of PNDA.
Self care strategies for parents and caregivers

Caring for a small child can be rewarding, exciting, surprising and frustrating. It can also sometimes be stressful, exhausting and worrying. Check out our list of self care ideas, and think about how these ideas might fit into your routine.
Perinatal depression

Depression occurs in up to 1 in 10 women during pregnancy, and in up to 1 in 7 women after the birth of a baby. Men are also affected by postnatal depression. Certain factors, such as mental health history, complicated pregnancy or birth, or having an unwell or unsettled baby can increase the likelihood of developing perinatal depression.
Board

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre is governed by a volunteer Board and complies with the regulations of the ACT Associations Incorporation Act (1991). The Board is responsible for the overall performance of the organisation, providing strategic direction and overseeing all operations of the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre.
Our history

The experienced team at the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre provide mental health support, education, information and referral for families in Canberra during pregnancy and after the birth of your baby.