Mothers Helpers Invitation

Mothers Helpers Invitation

Saturday 5th December is International Volunteer's Day, and Mothers Helpers is celebrating the work of the last five years of what has been a completely volunteer-based service helping mothers at-risk or suffering with perinatal depression/anxiety with an event at the Mecca Stonehouse Cafe in Mission Bay, Auckland.

It is an inspiring story: Founder and Registered Nurse Kristina Paterson herself experienced both Antenatal and Postnatal Depression and Anxiety, and the gaps in diagnosis and support led her to set up the charity: "My experience had a devastating affect on my first few years as a mother, and it was altogether preventable. I felt that there had to be better support for mothers with perinatal depression and I decided to do something about it."

Founder of Mothers Helpers Kristina Paterson with her son Nathan

The gaps she experienced have been echoed by 100 mothers with postnatal depression in a survey Mothers Helpers recently released to the Ministry of Health. The survey, titled Postnatal Depression in New Zealand and Feedback on Maternal Health Services, uncovered substantial delays in diagnosis and inadequate treatment options.

Kristina Paterson will present the inspiring story of Mothers Helpers and how they are changing lives as a result of the motivation of New Zealanders wanting to make a difference. For the first time, she will also present the results of the survey in full as well as the research they have completed so far on recovery from Perinatal Anxiety/Depression.

Mothers Helpers are inviting health professionals, media and all members of the local community who are passionate about helping families at-risk to come along to the Mecca Stonehouse Cafe at 9am Saturday 5th December for morning tea. This is a ticketed event and tickets must be bought online prior to the event at this link: http://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2015/celebrating-mothers-helpers/auckland/mission-bay

or you can email admin@mothershelpers.co.nz

ENDS

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