Radiance Network and Playgroup WA launch support services for parents in Margaret River

Two new crucial services are rolling out in the Margaret River area for families and new mums affected by stress. Funding from the Mental Health Commission has helped the Radiance Network South West extend services to Margaret River for the first time. “Radiance is now offering a free support group to help mums build resilience and improve their emotional wellbeing as well as build a strong relationship with their baby,” co-ordinator Anne Mackay said. The group meets at 10am on Thursdays at the Margaret River Playgroup. Referrals were preferred for attendees, but not mandatory. Ms Mackay said GPs, midwives and other health professionals could provide referrals if requested. A separate playgroup service for mums and dads was also running as part of the First Thousand Days project, a joint initiative between Radiance and Playgroup WA, with funding from Lotterywest. “We believe that all families in the First 1000 Days from conception to two years benefit from positive social connections and better access to services,” Ms Mackay said. “This project aims to address the opportunities and challenges of the critical First 1000 Days in local communities and neighbourhoods through the existing social and physical infrastructure of playgroups. “The ongoing experience of the pandemic has further revealed the fragility of many family and social support systems, particularly with many families reliant on family and friends living interstate and overseas.” The First Thousand Days group meets on Wednesdays at the Margaret River playgroup from 9.30 am to 11am. While the two playgroups were separate programs with different funding, Ms Mackay said parents meeting in such a setting shared the Radiance Network’s goal of building resilience through collaboration to “enhance the emotional wellbeing of parents to strengthen family relationships”. Ms Mackay said the Radiance Network launched in 2017 in “recognition that there was not enough awareness, support, and services for families in the South West region who are struggling in the perinatal period”. Parents were encouraged to get in touch to ensure the services remained available in Margaret River. To find out more, visit www.radiancesouthwest.com.au.