Volunteer

Volunteers play a vital role at Perinatal Wellbeing Centre; without the generous support of so many dedicated volunteers, we would not be able to function as we do. The roles of volunteers are many and varied but the most significant of them are:

Childcare
Perinatal Wellbeing Centre provides free adjunct childcare during support groups so that mums can focus solely on themselves for a couple of hours in the knowledge that their children are being well cared for in the next-door room. Our childcare is staffed by qualified leaders but volunteer childcare workers assist by ensuring that the ratio of carers to babies/toddlers is manageable. With so many little babies requiring attention/feeding during the course of the group their help is very much appreciated.

Group support
Our group volunteers are a special breed; able to gently assist mums to allow their children to be dropped off in the childcare room, carrying babies back to mums for a feed, making mums a cuppa and sitting calmly and supportively in group. Their help is enormous. They allow the group facilitator to concentrate wholly on the group without distraction and are a comfort to mums at all times.

Administration
We regularly receive administration assistance from volunteers for a variety of office tasks from paperwork and filing to IT support and covering library books.

Specialist support
We have been grateful for the assistance of volunteers to assist with policy writing, preparation for accreditation under the National Standards for Mental Health Services, HR & legal advice.

Events
Events are always time-consuming and the help of volunteers is vital in ensuring everything is 'alright on the night' - from printing labels and certificates to arranging table decorations.

If you would like to talk about how you might be able to help us at Perinatal Wellbeing Centre please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

Ask about volunteering

Current Volunteer Opportunities:

Groundsperson/Lawn Mowing- https://www.volunteeringact.org.au/volunteers/find-an-opportunity/#/opportunity/185721

Adjunct Childcare- https://www.volunteeringact.org.au/volunteers/find-an-opportunity/#/opportunity/185722

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.