Vision, mission & values

Our vision

Our vision is to improve the perinatal mental health of women, men and their families.

Our mission

Our mission is to provide evidence based, innovative early intervention support and information to help families understand their perinatal mental health, normalise their experiences and build resilience. To assist families on their pathway to recovery, work with the community to reduce stigma and benefit the wider society.

Our values

Respect
We have regard for people and treat them well in all our interactions both within and outside of the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre. We recognise the dignity and rights of all and we make time to listen, to be courteous, and to respond.

Resilience
We encourage resilience and believe that everyone has the ability to recover and maintain their wellness. We also believe that everyone's journey is individual and they are the expert in their own lives.

Diversity
We see people as individuals and appreciate and welcome their differences. This approach enriches us individually and collectively, harnesses understandings and skills for our work and informs the enactment of our values.

Acceptance
We accept that everyone's journey is their own individual journey. We accept that everyone comes with a varied history and that everyone's story is valued.

Integrity
The Perinatal Wellbeing Centre consists of passionate, committed, professional people who live out our values.

Latest

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.
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.
Cakeberra: Storybook Presale!

To relive on our favourite recent Cake Off themes we've created a unique storybook journey through Canberra's favourite landmarks - in cake!

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.
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 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.
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.
Adjusting to parenting

Changes to lifestyle, routine, family dynamics, finances, roles and identity are common in the perinatal period (during pregnancy and after the birth of a baby). The changes can be overwhelming and you might feel distressed or stuck. In these circumstances, thoughts and feelings are confronting and it is frightening to feel that you are facing them alone. You are not alone. At the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre, we are here to support you to find your way through the challenges and learn new ways