Read about Newham NCT branch’s fantastic Big Push event and how they’re getting parents together to talk about postnatal depression.
More than 250 people joined Newham NCT branch on Sunday 16 October at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to help raise money and awareness of postnatal depression (PND) and loneliness among new parents.
It was an amazing day, raising over £3,500, with a scenic 5km walk around the park filled with families – children scooting, toddlers being carried on their dad’s shoulders and babies in carriers or being pushed along in buggies.
“A strong sense of community was felt by everyone,” said Kelly Drake, Branch Co-ordinator of Newham NCT branch. “Parents appreciated the community spirit and meeting other parents who had experienced PND.”
At the event, local mum, Lee Raggett (pictured with her daughter) shared her experience of ‘losing’ two years of her life to PND and how she finally sought help and support from her NCT friends and branch. This, she said, was when she turned the corner towards recovery.
Like many NCT branches, Newham branch is working hard to raise awareness of PND and other perinatal mental health issues, and to break down the stigma attached to it. “We want to encourage women to speak out and get help,” explains Kelly.
Since our event and the campaigning work we did, lots of parents have said it made them realise that they are not alone and have since sought help.”
The NCT Big Push Campaign and all money raised goes towards developing perinatal mental health awareness workshops and a range of practical resources to be rolled out across the UK through our network of local branches.
