Media Release – 6 December 2011
A volunteer group helping families experiencing depression and anxiety around childbirth has been recognised with a Health Consumer Excellence Award to be presented on Wednesday 7 December at a Christmas function at the Health Consumer’s Council office in East Perth. From the Heart WA (FTHWA) was chosen for an award for “the outstanding work undertaken by consumer volunteers who have experienced and recovered from perinatal mental illness.”
FTHWA is the only consumer organisation in WA offering support and information to families affected by childbirth related stress, anxiety and depression. The organisation (originally named the Postnatal Depression Support Association) was formed in 1997 by a group of mothers who had experienced postnatal depression and wanted to help others. More recently the organisation has undergone a name change to further reflect its heartfelt, consumer based services.
One in seven Australian women will experience mental health issues following the birth of their baby and one in ten men will also experience some difficulty. FTHWA provides trained peer facilitators to support groups in Metropolitan Perth and undertakes a number of community awareness raising activities throughout the year. President of FTHWA, Judi Barrett-Lennard says “having somewhere to go to receive information and support and to talk to others who have experienced similar issues, is an important part of beginning the road to recovery from perinatal mental illness. At FTHWA we can offer support and understanding to women and their extended family and link them to appropriate services. Our volunteers also work hard at reducing stigma in the community and representing the consumer voice, lobbying for more consumer friendly services.”
Several members of the volunteer management committee will attend the Christmas function on Wednesday to accept the award from the Health Consumers’ Council board who were “impressed with the range and depth of activities and resources developed by From the Heart and strongly supportive of the collaboration and partnership approach.”
Queries regarding From the Heart WA and the Health Consumers’ Council Award can be directed to:
Tracey Parker
Program and Services Coordinator
From the Heart WA
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
9340 1688 or 0407 447 108
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