This week is Perinatal Mental Health Week and the theme for 2021 is ‘Breaking Down Barriers’.
Ensuring both parents and infants are equipped with the right mental health skills is essential for establishing optimal mental health for later life. Supporting the early development of positive mental health behaviours is a vitally important part of the McGowan Government’s commitment to supporting Western Australians, which includes recognising the individual needs of the regions.
In July, Mental Health Minister Stephen Dawson announced over $1 million in funding for seven new perinatal pilot programs to address service gaps in the metropolitan and South-West regions. The programs are now operational, meeting previously unmet needs in the community and include the provision of a New Dads’ program to address barriers for fathers to access support.
The funding was in addition to the $2.7 million allocated this financial year to existing perinatal and infant mental health and alcohol and other drug services including inpatient mother and baby units, postnatal depression support programs and mother-baby nurture groups.
For more information on services visit https://myservices.org.au
As stated by Mental Health Minister Stephen Dawson:
“The McGowan Government is committed to providing community focused and proactive mental health support for all Western Australians, and Perinatal Mental Health Week is a fantastic opportunity to spread the word that supports are available.
“The McGowan Government recognises that investing in perinatal and infant mental health builds the foundations for wellbeing and success across the lifespan of our youngest Western Australians and for future generations to come.
“The first years of parenthood can be tough for people regarding social and emotional adjustment and mental illness so making sure traditional and non-traditional options are available for women and men to access is so important for good mental health outcomes.”
