Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury

Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury Supporting the mental health of Canterbury parents during the first 2000 days (pregnancy to 5 years) Our Vision: Every Child Needs Mentally Healthy Parents.

Our Mission: To encourage and support parents who are experiencing a decline in mental wellbeing relating to, or resulting from, pregnancy, childbirth and parenting within the first 2,000 days (pregnancy to 5 years). Please note: Our support is non-clinical and designed for parents with a mild to moderate decline in mental wellbeing. We are not a crisis service and do not have after hours or weeke

nd services. Wellbeing Groups
Providing safe and supportive environments in which parents receive peer support and connection, and learn how to manage and minimise mental wellbeing challenges related to pregnancy, childbirth and parenting during the first 2,000 days.
# Topics include self-care, managing aspects of anxiety and depression such as anger, guilt
and grief, coping with loss of identity, healthy communication, and working towards
recovery
# There is always time for parents to chat with each other and talk about what is ‘on top’ for
them each week
# Led by peer supporters with lived experience who represent the parents in each group. For
example, our Asian Wellbeing Group is facilitated by a Mandarin and Cantonese speaking
Chinese Peer Supporter
# Held in person at various locations throughout Canterbury, and online for those parents
who are unable to attend in person
# Available for pregnant and postnatal parents

Facebook Connection Group
This private group, for our past and current clients, gives them a safe environment to continue to share their experiences, concerns and have an ongoing connection with other parents who have similar experiences. Moderated by our Peer Supporters. Advocacy
Connection with clinical and community organisations to assist parents to access appropriate support if needed. Liaison with other agencies, or extended whānau, on behalf of our parents if required. Awareness
Regular talks to groups of parents and perinatal health professionals, enabling them to recognise perinatal mental decline and how to engage with overwhelmed parents and support them to seek appropriate help. Contact details
Website: https://perinatalwellbeing.org.nz
Email: [email protected]
Referrals: https://perinatalwellbeing.org.nz/contact-us/referral-for-support

June is Men's Mental Health awareness month and here at Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury we are passionate about making su...
17/06/2026

June is Men's Mental Health awareness month and here at Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury we are passionate about making sure fathers get the support they need during pregnancy and the early years of parenting.

Our free Wellbeing For Dads group provides support and guidance for fathers who
- are experiencing anxiety, depression or feeling overwhelmed
- are supporting a partner with perinatal mental distress

Rainbow friendly - any parent identifying as a father is welcome.
Referrals are required and self referrals are accepted.

Refer via our website or use the QR code

Congratulations to Christine on receiving a well deserved Volunteer Recognition Award this week.Christine has volunteere...
16/06/2026

Congratulations to Christine on receiving a well deserved Volunteer Recognition Award this week.

Christine has volunteered with us for over 5 years as a Peer Supporter.

We are incredibly grateful and thankful for her mahi and the amazing support she provides for mothers in Canterbury ❤️

Thank you Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust for summing up the key insights from the Āhurutia Te Rito / It Takes A Villag...
07/05/2026

Thank you Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust for summing up the key insights from the Āhurutia Te Rito / It Takes A Village report from 2022. These are still the priorities and why we connect with other organisations in the perinatal mental health space in Canterbury and nationwide. Together we are working on addressing the need and ensuring parents and whānau are able to access the right support at the right time.

Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week 💚

It really does take a village.

When parents and whānau are supported through hapūtanga, birth and the first year of pēpi’s life, the impact reaches far beyond one person, it strengthens the wellbeing of the whole whānau.

Perinatal mental health support should be timely, accessible, culturally safe and grounded in aroha.

This week, we continue to uplift the importance of walking alongside whānau, reducing whakamā, and making sure support is never out of reach.

Learn more: https://pada.nz/perinatal-mental-health-awareness-week/

07/05/2026

These words from Amy at PADA - Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa could have been spoken by any one of us doing this mahi.

You are not alone. We are here to listen, to support and to celebrate the good things.

06/05/2026

Today is World Maternal Mental Health Day, recognised on the first Wednesday of May each year 💙

This day focuses on raising awareness, influencing policy, and reducing the stigma around perinatal mental health 💚 (wmmhday.org)

Anyone can be affected by perinatal mental health. In Aotearoa, Māori, Pacific, and Asian communities are disproportionately impacted, highlighting the need for more equitable support and ongoing advocacy.

Stand with us today, this week, and beyond as we continue pushing for change.

💙💚

A reminder that many locations across Aotearoa are lighting up green throughout the week for Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week.

Full list of landmarks and dates below ⬇

05/05/2026

Our lived experience peer supporters walk alongside our parents during the first 2,000 days. We measure our impact by the feedback we get from them.

You are not alone. 1 in 4 mothers/birthing people and 1 in 10 fathers/non-birthing people are diagnosed with anxiety and...
04/05/2026

You are not alone. 1 in 4 mothers/birthing people and 1 in 10 fathers/non-birthing people are diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression during pregnancy and the early years of parenting. Many more experience milder anxiety, depression or overwhelm and often find it hard to get support. Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury walk alongside all parents with free community based support. Led by trained peer supporters with lived experience, provide safe and supportive environments where parents receive peer support, build connections, and learn practical techniques to manage mental health challenges related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.

Canterbury is lighting up green to raise awareness about perinatal mental wellbeing. Take a photo and post it with to ...
03/05/2026

Canterbury is lighting up green to raise awareness about perinatal mental wellbeing. Take a photo and post it with to show you support parents getting the support they need to thrive in pregnancy and the early years of parenting.

CHRISTCHURCH | ŌTAUTAHI
Christchurch Casino | 4-10 May
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū | Part of PMHAW
Botanical Gardens | 6-10 May
Vaka ‘A Hina | 6-10 May
New Brighton Pier | 6-10 May
Victoria Square Gardens | 6-10 May
Fanfare Sculpture | 6-10 May

Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week begins tomorrow 💜

41 landmarks and buildings across Aotearoa will light up green in support, helping shine a light on perinatal wellbeing 💡💚

ARROWTOWN | KĀ-MURIWAI
Lakes District Museum & Gallery | 4-10 May

ASHBURTON | HAKATERE
Clock Tower | 4-10 May

AUCKLAND | TĀMAKI MAKAURAU
The Civic | 4-8 May
Trevor Moss Davis Memorial Fountain | 4-10 May

BLENHEIM | TE WAIHARAKEKE
Clock Tower | 4-10 May

CHRISTCHURCH | ŌTAUTAHI
Christchurch Casino | 4-10 May
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū | Part of PMHAW
Botanical Gardens | 6-10 May
Vaka ‘A Hina | 6-10 May
New Brighton Pier | 6-10 May
Victoria Square Gardens | 6-10 May
Fanfare Sculpture | 6-10 May

CROMWELL | TĪRAU
Welcome Sign | 4-10 May

DUNEDIN | ŌTEPOTI
Otago University Clock Tower | 4-10 May
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum | 4 May
Forsyth Barr Stadium | 4 May
Tūhura Otago Museum | 4-10 May

FOXTON | TE AWAHOU
Clock Tower | 4 & 6-10 May

GISBORNE | TŪRANGA-NUI-A-KIWA
Town Clock | 4-10 May

HAMILTON | KIRIKIRIROA
ANZAC Bridge | 9-10 May

HĀWERA
Water Tower | 4-10 May

INVERCARGILL | WAIHŌPAI
Heritage Fountain at Queens Park | 4-10 May
Feldwick Gates at Queens Park | 4-10 May

NEW PLYMOUTH | NGĀMOTU
Clock Tower | 6-10 May

PALMERSTON NORTH | TE PAPA-I-ŌEA
Hopwood Clock Tower | Kerei Te Panau | 4 May

TAURANGA
Wharf Street Dining Precinct | 6 May
Tunks Reserve | 6 May
Masonic Park | 6 May
Beacon Wharf | 6 May
Waterfront Playground | 6 May
The Waterfront - Park North | 6 May

TE AROHA
Clock Tower | 4-10 May

WELLINGTON | TE WHANGANUI-A-TARA
Carter Fountain (Oriental Bay Fountain) | 4-10 May
Cable Cars Tunnel | 4 May
Michael Fowler Centre | 6 May
Wellington East Girls’ College | 4-10 May

WHANGANUI
Royal Whanganui Opera House | 4-6 May
Whanganui War Memorial Centre | 4-6 May

WHANGĀREI
Victoria Canopy Bridge | 4-10 May
Laurie Hall Park | 4-10 May
Pūtahi Park | 4-10 May

Ngā mihi to all these locations for taking part!

We would love to see them through your lens 📷 If you spot one, take a photo and share it on your socials and tag us, or send it through to us directly.

03/05/2026

💜 Today marks the start of Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week (PMHAW), running 4-10 May.

💙 It aligns with World Maternal Mental Health Day, held on the first Wednesday of May each year, which falls on 6 May in 2026.

💚 Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Aotearoa (PADA) leads this annual campaign to raise awareness and advocate for better perinatal mental health outcomes across Aotearoa.

📊 We often share statistics to help highlight the scale of perinatal mental health challenges. Current research suggests that around 12–18% of mothers and 10% of fathers experience depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns during the perinatal period (from pregnancy to one year after birth).

🔎 However, these numbers only tell part of the story. They reflect a system that still doesn't fully capture the experiences of all those raising future generations, including gender-diverse parents, non-birthing partners, wider whānau, and the many different ways families are formed across Aotearoa.

The gaps in the data matter. Because what isn't measured is often overlooked.

That is why this year's theme is so important:

🟣 Walking With You. Real support. Real listening. Real change.

It is a call to move beyond one size fits all approaches and toward care that is truly inclusive, accessible, culturally grounded, and responsive to the realities of all whānau.

💙💚💜

We would love to see how you are recognising 📷

Keep an eye on our socials throughout the week for more to come.

Address

Christchurch

Telephone

+64211314352

Website

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