We will be holding The Big Pram Walk, an annual awareness raising event for perinatal depression and anxiety. The event will be held on Thursday 15th November commencing at 9:30am at Stow Gardens (lawn area near the Geraldton Multipurpose Centre). The Big Pram Walk begins at 9:30am and will be followed by morning tea and children’s activities until 11:00am. Everyone is welcome, just show up with your family, friends and pram.

The Big Pram Walk coincides with Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Awareness Week 11-17 November 2018, an awareness week that raises awareness about perinatal depression and anxiety, including what signs to look for and where to seek support. This year the theme is “I wish I knew”, because many expecting parents are surprised by how challenging becoming a parent can be.

Sarah, co-ordinator of the event is encouraging everyone to attend.

“We want mums, dads, grandparents and children to come along and walk with us”, she said.

“It is a good opportunity to meet other mums who may be struggling with perinatal depression and anxiety and learn that you aren’t alone if you are feeling like you are struggling”, she continued.

“We will have other agencies there and our women’s health nurse from Desert Blue Connect. So come and say hello and spend some talking to them about local supports and activities.”

Other attending agencies at this event include Child and Parent Centre Rangeway, Goodstart Wonthella, Ready Set Grow Bluff Point and Faerie Jo from Face Painting Magic.

For further information on perinatal depression and anxiety go to website https://www.panda.org.au/, or if you need help and support contact our women’s health nurse at Desert Blue Connect on 9964 2742.

Desert Blue Connect provide a range of free or low cost services that include women’s health, rural support services, men’s services, family violence response, primary prevention and crisis accommodation for women and children.

The women’s health program at Desert Blue Connect offers a range of health and wellbeing services that are provided free to women. They include pregnancy tests, STI testing, continence information, relationship/sexual health advice, contraception and mental health support (including perinatal).

For an appointment at Desert Blue Connect, call 9964 2742 or drop into the office at 25 Chapman Road in Geraldton.