MEDIA CONTACT:
Arna Presland, Marketing & Communications
Coordinator apresland@playgroupaustralia.com.au
Ph: 07 3394 8448 Fax: 07 3394 8449
MEDIA RELEASE
“Support for Mums experiencing Post-Natal Depression”
Post Natal Depression Awareness Week (16 to 22 November 2008)
Mothers experiencing Post Natal Depression continue to benefit by coming together in a playgroup setting,
in a successful, on-going national program coordinated by Playgroup Australia.
“During Post Natal Depression Awareness Week (16 to 22 November), it’s important to recognise the
importance of playgroups as a setting where mothers experiencing Post Natal Depression (PND) can meet
and share their experiences in a non-judgemental and supportive environment,” said Karen Merange,
Executive Officer, Playgroup Australia.
“For mothers experiencing Post Natal Depression, the opportunity to participate in playgroup with other
mothers in a similar situation can be enormously beneficial.
“Playgroup Australia is the national coordinating body for Supported Playgroups in which mothers with Post
Natal Depression have met, or currently are meeting, to increase their parenting skills and confidence, and
to develop valuable social and family support networks,” Ms Merange said.
Supported playgroups for mothers experiencing PND are an Australia Government-funded initiative. To
date, there have been 13 such groups established nationally, attended by approximately 100 families.
“The playgroups usually meet once a week for two hours and are facilitated by a worker whose role is to
help families to develop the skills to participate in and run the playgroup independently. Once this happens,
the playgroup is referred to as having ‘transitioned’ to a parent-run community playgroup,” Ms Merange
said.
Supported Playgroups for mothers experiencing PND currently meet in the following areas:
VIC - Rosebud, and Melton
SA – Glandore
TAS – Invermay
QLD – Woolloongabba
NT – Marrara, Nhulubuy
Several more supported playgroups aimed at mums experiencing PND, and their families, are expected to
commence in 2009.
Other types of families attend Supported Playgroups coordinated by Playgroup Australia, including teenage
parent families, cultural and linguistically diverse families, indigenous families and families where the
parent or child has a disability.
“A diverse range Australian families with young children benefit from this community-based sustainable
program,” Ms Merange said.
speak with your State/Territory Supported Playgroup Co-ordinator.
-ENDS-
NEWS 
