I have several blog posts sitting in my drafts folder about my experience of antenatal depression. Every now and then I try and get one finished, but it’s really tough to write about. Not only because it’s so deeply personal, but because I don’t feel like I’m really qualified to talk about it. What I’d love to do is offer support and advice to other women affected by perinatal mental health but how can I when I really know nothing except my own experience? That’s why I was really intrigued to find out about a new project being implemented by NCT: Parents in Mind.
Parents in Mind is a new scheme that aims to train up women who have experienced mental health issues during pregnancy or early parenthood, allowing them to offer one-to-one and group support to other women. They are currently recruiting for volunteers in Coventry and Warwickshire, so if you’re able to volunteer two or more hours a week and can commit to a ten week training course: keep reading!
There’s a fairly short time frame by which volunteers need to be in place for, so if you’re at all interested, please do email parentsinmind.wc@nct.org.uk as soon as you’re able. Both Beckie and Sarah are really lovely and can let you know more about Parents In Mind and what’s involved.
Even if you live outside of Coventry and Warwickshire like I do, you can still volunteer if you’re happy to travel. I’m hoping to attend a further information session later this month and perhaps I’ll soon feel more confident in speaking more openly and being more supportive of perinatal mental health concerns.
If you’re not local to this project, but are on the look out for antenatal or postnatal depression support, please feel free to use the #PNDchat hashtag or tag part in #PNDHour (Wednesdays 8pm – 9pm) over on Twitter. Rosey (@PNDandMe) has done an incredible job setting these up. You’ll be amazed at the knowledge and support on offer there. I promise you it will make you feel much less alone.