Radiance Network South West share in $1million for perinatal support

The region’s premier perinatal support service will share in $1 million to ensure mental health opportunities continue for new families. Radiance Network South West joins six other services in receiving money from the State Government to launch a new perinatal pilot program. Founded in Busselton, the program supports the emotional wellbeing of mums and dads across the entire South West in their journey into parenthood. The grant will allow the service to expand its Mother Baby Nurture program. Radiance Network South West manager Anne Mackay said she was relieved to secure the funding and ensure families continue to receive the help they need. “It will allow us to keep running our services for another 12 months so we can keep doing our work,” she said. “Our volunteers aren’t paid ... the funding means our group facilitators can be paid for the next 12 months. “Going forward we need to establish a permanent hub for people to seek support in a safe place.” Perinatal depression and anxiety affect one in five mothers and one in 10 fathers and partners, and have been known to have an impact on children and the wider family. The boost comes within months of the organisation announcing it was on the brink of closure if funding was not secured by the end of the year. In June, Vasse MP Libby Mettam aired her grievances in Parliament over the lack of funding, urging the State Government to step in and help. With the announcement, Ms Mettam congratulated the perinatal support group and said she would continue to support further funding in the coming years. “Congratulations to Anne Mackay and members of the Radiance Network South West who have received funding for the vital work they do to support families and to raise awareness around perinatal anxiety and depression,” she said. “I have had the benefit of working with Anne Mackay for a number of years and know how much this much-needed funding will benefit many South West families.”