By Celeste Larkins

With the support of the Statewide Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Program, we have recently been working with local Geraldton parents who are expecting or who have a new baby to share their experience to help other parents, particularly at the moment as services are limited due to COVID-19. The project, which was launched on World Maternal Mental Health Day (May 4th) supported parents to record video and audio messages for broadcast on Facebook and local community Aboriginal radio station, Radio MAMA. They aim to help Geraldton parents identify self-care strategies, know where they can access help and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness as a new parent. With the support of local stakeholders, the project is continuing to include more local parents and service providers as well.