Maternal mental health trust celebrates anniversary

Maternal mental health trust celebrates anniversary

October 5, 2015

The Dayspring Trust was set up in 1980 to provide support for people in a crisis.

And now 35 years later the non-profit organisation is getting set to celebrate its anniversary during Mental Health Awareness Week which runs from October 5 to 11.

Dayspring Trust chief executive Jane Bruce says the organisation has come a long way since its humble beginnings.

“I think the longevity of the trust and the fact we’re still here after all these years speaks volumes.”

She says many of the trust’s clients are single mothers who are trying to deal with complex issues in their lives.

“The core work we do is maternal mental health, but we also deal with women who may have come from abusive relationships and may have drug or alcohol problems.”

Mrs Bruce says the trust, which currently has about 250 clients, also deals with women suffering from post natal depression.

“All of our programmes and services support the mother and we take a holistic approach to maternal mental health.”

Most of its work is funded under government contracts. But an early intervention programme called Secure Beginnings and other services that the trust provides doesn’t receive government support.

“It’s a 20 week programme and we spend about five months with the mother working with a psychotherapist.”

She says the trust wants to be able to offer the programme nationwide.

“That’s our vision, but we’re not doing it at the moment because we don’t have the funding.”

Despite such setbacks Mrs Bruce says its great to be able to mark the 35th anniversary milestone.

“We’re still filling a gap because there aren’t any community services in this area.”

As part of the Dayspring Trust's anniversary celebrations it will be holding an event at Soljan's Winery Estate on October 10 which will feature music, dance and a buffet dinner. Titled Springs Swing all the proceeds raised at the event will go towards the charity’s services.

For information on the Dayspring Trust’s services or to book phone 827 6321

tickets for the Springs Swing event on October 10 email info@dayspring.co.nz

ENDS

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