, Maisy, Brody and I will be walking 20km over half term !! We are fundraising to help establish at PANDAS Foundation support group in Hampshire. This is a charity that supports parents with pre and post natal depression and anxiety . This year we have seen a rise of 240 % of parents accessing our helpline and support groups .

During the global pandemic women have had to go to hospital appointments on their own and go through the Labour phase predominantly without their partners .

Lockdown has meant that mothers have not been able to receive the much valued care of extended family and friends . There has been no face to face contact with Health Visitors and no access to parent groups. This has left women feeling isolated and there has been a significant rise in post natal depression and anxiety.

We have launched a support group in Hampshire for parents in need . As a charity we offer early intervention , signposting and peer support .

In March we will be hosting virtual support groups aswell as well being , yoga and self care workshops. This is all free but we need funds to cover the zoom liscence.

 As a charity we are unable to facilitate face to face group workshops , however we are currently offering the following :

* Weekly peer support zoom calls

* workshops focussing on well-being and self care

* Workshops with guest hosts to offer advice on sleeping patterns , weaning and play

The main funding priorities to be able to introduce a group to Gosport are as follows :

* A zoom account for weekly peer support

* Access to a device for the group leader ( lap top and mobile phone )

* Money for care packages to be sent out to parents in need

* Funding to enable us to secure a venue once lockdown is over

The mental health of mothers can have a huge impact on children , whilst they are infants and later in life . We feel strongly , especially during the pandemic that this must be a priority , otherwise their will be devastating consequences.