Page 16 - link magazine

New group to support parents
preschool with post natal depression

gymnastics Having suffered herself with post natal depression Swindon mum Lesley
Hughes has set up a support group for other parents and relatives experi-
encing the same difficulties, or who are worried about a family member.
where an early “It’s for mums and dads or other “I’ll be organising regular meet-ups
start makes a world members of the extended family who in child-friendly places where people
have concerns,” said Lesley. “I aim to can talk about their feelings and just
of difference! provide people with hints and tips be sociable with others.”
about how to deal with the symptoms, Lesley urges anyone who might
and provide information from other be concerned they have post natal
organisations who are able to help.” depression to talk to their GP. “When
Describing her own experience of I was first diagnosed my doctor didn’t
PND Lesley said: “I began to suffer know of any local support groups
with the condition when I was seven who might be able to help, and that’s
months pregnant. I began to feel very another reason I decided to set one
detached from my baby. My son is up myself.
nearly three years old now and I’m “I’ve been writing to all the GP
still waiting for that overwhelming surgeries in Swindon to let them
feeling of love that all mothers want. know about the group, and to ask
“It hasn’t happened yet. I’ve ex- them to advertise it in their waiting
perienced mood swings, high levels rooms, so do ask at your surgery for
of stress and extreme anger. At my information.”
lowest point my son was screaming See details at Facebook: Swindon
in the back of the car while I was Post Natal Depression Support
driving and I just wanted to let go of Group, or mail: pndswindon1@
daily classes for the under 5’s the wheel to shut him up. I didn’t care yahoo.co.uk
what happened.”
01793 822262 Lesley considers herself to be lucky Time to

www.esprit-gymnastics.co.uk to have a very supportive partner, but declutter &
she acknowledges that not everyone
has the same, which is one of the spring clean
reasons she decided to set up the Generate some extra cash from the
group. She said: “If I can help one kids’ cupboard at the Swindon NCT
person feel better then it will have branch nearly new sale of baby and
Salt Way Children’s Centre been worthwhile.” children’s clothes and equipment on
Pearl Road, Middleleaze Emphasising the informality of Saturday 16 March, 11.15am to 1pm,
Swindon SN5 5TD the group Lesley said: “This is not a at Oasis Leisure Centre. NCT members
Tel: 01793 465364 counsellor-led group. It’s just a way of can browse from 11am.
meeting other people, sharing stories The event regularly attracts over
Young Parents Group and making new friends. The group 200 sellers and 500 buyers
See how to sell, buy or volunteer
is non-judgemental and hopefully
Wednesdays 12noon to 2pm people will go away feeling supported, to help make the event a success at:
with a sense there is a little light at the www.nct.org.uk/branches/swindon/
6th March is ‘Bring a Friend’ and come for end of the dark tunnel. nearly-new-sale
lunch (provided by Children’s Centre)
A group set up for parents under 25 Pudsey is pleased
with babies and children under 5 years of age. Children at Oliver Tomkins Primary School, Toothill raised an impressive £1,100
Fun activities provided in a safe for Children in Need in November and December.
and welcoming environment. The official Children In Need wristband was sold across the school and the
infants completed a sponsored walk around the playground.
Organiser Tina Oliver said: “The children really enjoyed taking part in raising
Workshop for Parents money for Pudsey and the parents were incredibly generous in their support.”
Oliver Tomkins infants celebrating a grand total
Wednesday 17th April, 10am to 11am
Let’s Play
Helping your Child to Learn Through Play
Call Salt Way CC for further information
or to book your place
See our activities timetable
at www.childrenssociety.org.uk/saltwaycc

16 swindonlink.com • March 2013

1-18 March 13.indd 16 13/02/2013 16:41