Valuable service in crisis

A Pōkeno mum is urging the community to get behind a crucial support service for mothers.

Well Women Trust is a charity that has been providing free, life-saving peer support to women experiencing antenatal and postnatal distress since 2009. It says it has supported thousands of mothers across Auckland and North Waikato

The trust says it may be forced to significantly reduce or even suspend services during July and August unless urgent financial support is secured.

Pōkeno woman Kayleigh Follas has been using Well Women’s services since her son was three months old.

When her son began having seizures (the cause of which remained undiagnosed for months), she turned to the charity for help after being discharged by Maternal Mental Health.

“There’s a phrase that Jane from Well Women that has stuck with me: ‘It’s a way of growing your village’. And as my immediate family lives over in Melbourne, I was feeling very isolated. With my baby’s health issues, it all sort of compounded.

“I felt so supported, and they gave me so much good advice … things I could do immediately to get me through those days. When I went to my first group, I shared my story and had a good cry. I was met with this really loving and supportive environment where I didn’t feel judged. I’ve been going ever since.”

Follas has since returned to work, and her son turned two in April.

“My husband even said to me that he would like me to keep my Monday sessions going for as long as I can. Without Well Women, I probably wouldn’t be here today. The support that I got helped me get the help I needed from my GP.”

Well Women Trust needs to raise $100,000 within 100 days to keep services running.

Operations Lead at Well Women Trust, Karen Bowden, says this is a crisis.

“Our services are a lifeline for many women who are struggling with the transition to motherhood, postnatal anxiety or depression, or simply feeling overwhelmed. We walk alongside women in their toughest moments, and without our support, many would simply go without any help at all.”

After 15 years of helping women through one of life’s most vulnerable stages, the trust can no longer rely on grant funding to sustain its vital work.

“While short-term funding is expected to arrive in late August or early September, the gap in July and August puts essential services, including peer support groups, home visits, and 24/7 crisis response, in immediate jeopardy.”

Follas said to help raise funds, there will be a kids’ disco from 3pm to 5pm on July 3 at the St James administration building on West Street in Pukekohe. There will also be the “Mum’s the Word but Dads Can Come Too” quiz night on July 26 at the Franklin Club, with doors open from 6.30pm. Tickets are $40 per person or $200 for a table of six. Click here for more details.

• You can donate now at www.wellwomen.org.nz/support-us.