A powerful perinatal mental health initiative is supporting new mums and families across the Darling Downs.
Darling Downs Health’s Together in Mind is a free six-week workshop designed to support women navigating the often-overwhelming early stages of motherhood.
The program has now been running for seven years, and has expanded to support more women in enhancing their mental health and fostering stronger connections with their children.
Clinical Nurse Consultant Jennifer Watson shared the workshops offer tailored, holistic support.
“It’s an opportunity for mothers to connect with clinicians and each other – to share openly, to feel heard, and to walk away with practical tools for parenting and mental wellbeing,” Ms Watson said.
Each week during the course, the mothers gather in a safe and welcoming space to share their experiences and learn from a team of dedicated health professionals, including a perinatal mental health nurse, an infant mental health clinician, and a child health nurse.
Topics covered range from adjusting to parenthood, stress management and emotional regulation in infants, to sleeping, settling, nutrition, and infant development through play and relationship.
Past participant Cyndie shared the support she received during the Together in Mind course had a lasting impact.
“Together In Mind was just a weight lifted off for me. The group gave me tools and confidence and I made friends as well,” she said.
“I first joined Together in Mind after the birth [of] my son seven years ago and returned to the group following the birth of my daughter four years later. It has been a really valuable experience.”
At the end of each workshop, participants receive a meaningful memento, a handmade quilt donated by the Toowoomba Community Quilters.
President of the quilting group, Shirley Bourke said the donation was a heartfelt gesture from the community group.
“We love being part of something that supports families in such a beautiful and practical way. Each quilt is a gesture of warmth, comfort and community,” she said.
To find out more about the Together in Mind program contact: pimh@health.qld.gov.au
