The Guild PROJECT UPDATE  CrossReach Beyond the Blues February 2009 Guild support has ensured raised awareness of the issue of PND – the service in Glasgow which, having been launched in 2006, is the youngest PND service – it alone has dealt with 130 families and now runs outreach groups elsewhere in the region. The newly launched telephone helpline has also provided much need support to those living outwith areas with a Bluebell service November 2008 Five months after the launch of the helpline, the initial feedback has been very encouraging. Over 150 calls to the service have been received and people have been able to access help. 55% of calls have been from the central belt. It has also been interesting to note that many calls have come from areas where Bluebell doesn’t have an input. This helpline has encouraged woman, and those close to them to seek help for PND. This update also gives a profile of the PND Counselling service in Galashiels, which was opened in its present form in 2005. Staff there provide vital support and counselling as well as a crèche to enable women to come to their appointments. September 2008 June saw the launch of a new national helpline for those with PND, run by Crossreach in conjunction with Parentline Scotland which is run by Children 1st. The first three weeks of the helpline saw 65 calls – this is expected to increase as news of the service grows. This update also contains an update from the new service manager Tessa Haring who tells of staffing changes and the ever-increasing client list. At one point, waiting lists I Edinburgh had to close. However the helpline was a good resource to have at such a time. January 2008 In the last year, there has been an increase in the number of younger women referred to the service – those between 17 and 23. There are 10 on their waiting list. These mums are either self-harming or at risk of doing so and most have unsupportive families. AS a service, Bluebell are looking at providing a different type of support for this group – counselling and parenting skills as well as giving the mums a chance to meet and make friends. Staff are receiving additional training on dealing with those who self-harm. One girl had suffered from depression from the age of 13 – her family lived under the threat of domestic violence, she self-harmed and was referred to a young person’s psychiatric unit. She began to cope well until she became pregnant. She is in urgent need of further support, and prayers are requested for her. Bluebell also reported on the successful ‘Bluebell Bunfight 2007’ and particularly to Duthil Guild in Carrbridge for the work they did raising money but also helping the guild connect with local young families. News of the 2008 bunfight will be out soon. This year’s Bluebell Ball will be on April 18th. Tickets are £80 for a glamorous night out at Edinburgh’s Prestonfield House. Contact Charis House for more details. November 2007 The Glasgow PND counselling service is now one year old and in its first year has seen 70 women and men access the service.. There are qualified counsellors providing support for individuals and couples, and there is also art therapy and infant massage.There is no restriction in the number of hours that can be provided and there is also a crèche to enable the parents to relax while their child is taken care of. A pilot scheme for a phone helpline will launch, thanks to the Guild, in February 2008. It is hoped that this can be expanded. The second annual Pramathon was held in Rouken Glen Park to raise money for the Blueblee project – it was a great success and raised over £300. Planning is underway for the Bluebell ball - this year they are looking for enthusiastic volunteers. Contact Sarah Martin on 0131 657 2000 for more information. September 2007 This update tells of a fundraising effort by Duthil Guild, Carrbridge, who ran a ‘bluebell bun fight’. Run on the local school’s half day, families were invited and children were encouraged to decorate their own ‘buns’. There is also news from a mum who was helped by the project, who writes, that thanks to the project, her bad days became fewer, and life began to feel much more hopeful. She has now gone on to have her second child and she has felt so much better this time round. Mention is also made of the visit by Prince Andrew to the project during the General Assembly. A request for volunteers to help at the Tom Allan centre is also made – a volunteer receptionist is required. The project is also looking for 150 volunteers to raise £150 – contact the Bluebell team for more information. February 2007 The Bluebell update reports on the pack, produced by the project, to advertise support for mothers on this coming Mothers’ Day. Contact the project for more details of ‘Supporting Mothers on Mothers’ Day’. The update also advertises some Bluebell merchandise, and makes an appeal for volunteers. More information is available from the project. It is also reported that the counselling service has opened a section in the Tom Allan Counselling Service in Glasgow. It is hoped that this will build on the work of the PND service, and bring counselling for individuals, couples and families to those in the west of Scotland. It will also provide therapy groups, infant massage and art therapy. November 2006 The update stresses how the project aims to raise awareness and reduce the stigma attached to Post Natal Depression. The project aims to expand into other areas of Scotland and gives details of their work in Galashiels. As well as their centre in Edinburgh, they have been delivering services at various venues – such as in a community flat in a poor area of Edinburgh and in a social work centre in Eyemouth. Their aim is to help families feel less isolated. The update contains a reflection by the deputy manager of the service, Tessa Haring. The project has also launched their mascot, Bluebell the Cow which is available for purchase from Charis House. Volunteers are requested for the crèche facilities for the Tom Allan Centre in Glasgow. September 2006 The first update told of how the project was now entering its second year of awareness-raising of the issue of post-natal depression. A number of celebrities and high-profile people have backed the campaign, agreeing to become patrons: Melinda Messenger, Denise Welch, Elaine C Smith, Susan Deacon, Dawn Breslin and Monica Gibb. New research has pointed out that PND is now thought to affect one in six mothers. Some mothers have had problems locating help, advice and support. The report is available on www.mind.org.uk Details were given of the launch of the new branch of the project in Galashiels, opened by Michael Moore MP. Work has started on one to be based in Glasgow. The project is working alongside NHS Lothian as they open a new mother and baby unit in St John’s Hospital in Livingston.