Building a Community of Care - Morning Tea Fundraiser

This month, and in support of Perinatal Mental Health Week, SA Health, PANDA and Villagehood Australia are coming together to raise more awareness about maternal mental health and talk about the support available to parents.

Maternal Mental Health is a growing public health issue that requires our attention.

1. Of approx. 300,000 women giving birth every year in Australia, 60,000 (1 in 5) will experience postnatal depression within the first 2 years after birth and this number is likely to increase when other maternal mental disorders are included (1 in 10 for dads).
2. Suicide is confirmed to be a leading cause of maternal death in Australia with suicide attempts known to have tripled in the past decade
3. 20% of Australian women do not receive the support they need, falling into the cracks of a system that doesn’t identify nor understand the extend of the challenges pregnant and postpartum women experience in the perinatal period and beyond.
4. Untreated perinatal depression can affect the mental wellbeing of the whole family including the physical and mental development of the babies.

At a morning tea on Monday 28th of November we hope to make a difference in the lives of many Australian families and their children.