Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury provides free community-based peer support for parents in Canterbury who are experiencing a decline in mental wellbeing relating to, or resulting from, pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting within the first 2,000 days (Pregnancy to 5 years).
- Ongoing support provided in person at groups, by phone and online.
- Advocacy and liaison with other supports and families if needed.
- Education of other professionals who work with parents of young children on how to spot the signs and symptoms of perinatal mental illness.
Please note: Our support is non-clinical and designed for parents with a mild to moderate decline in mental wellbeing. We are not a crisis service and do not have after hours or weekend services.
Current Services
To keep our groups safe spaces we require a referral for all groups.
Client Contacts / Assessments – take place on receipt of a referral from Plunket, Midwives, GP’s, other health professionals or self referral. An assessment of the level of support required is carried out. Support can vary from providing information, wait listing for our support programme, joining one of our wellbeing groups or assistance to access other mental health services..
Peer Support – online or telephone contact, short term support available while clients are on a wait list or after group discharge; or when a group is not a preferred means of support.
Perinatal Wellbeing Groups – regular Peer Supporter led groups for pregnant and postnatal women experiencing a decline in mental wellbeing. Refers to our Wellbeing Support Programme or clinical intervention if required. Currently held in North Canterbury (online at present), Rolleston, New Brighton, Upper Riccarton and online as required.
Asian Wellbeing Group – a regular group facilitated by a Chinese speaking Peer Supporter for pregnant and postnatal women experiencing a decline in mental wellbeing.
Wellbeing Support Programme – 10 week Peer Supporter facilitated programme, run during term time, teaching mothers skills around self-care, managing anxiety and depression, positive communication and goal setting.
To find out more about any of our groups
Please email support@perinatalwellbeing.org.nz or ph 0211314352.
Referrals can be made here