Network Story: Kew Perinatal MHPN
Longstanding network, continues to meet practitioners’ needs
Being led by three Coordinators from different clinical disciplines has helped this Network continue to thrive for more than eight years. Since 2017, the Kew Perinatal Network has drawn together practitioners with a shared interest in perinatal mental health.
Having held 25 meetings over this time, the network has covered a range of topics including ‘Birth Trauma’, ‘Perinatal Mental Health Care and Life in Lockdown: What helps?’, ‘Stillbirth’, and ‘Updates on Practice Guidelines’. The Network has consistently provided practitioners with access to content and networking opportunities that continue to attract participation from both current and new members.
A highlight from 2024
While the Network meets in-person, a special event in May 2024 allowed the Coordinators to invite other networks with a specific interest in perinatal mental health to join their group for a highly anticipated, online presentation by Boston-based paediatrician Dr Cyndie Hatcher about her innovative app, designed to promote the mother-infant relationship and emotional well-being for low-income mothers from birth through the first six months of their baby’s life.
The meeting brought together members from MHPN networks across the country: including the Gold Coast, Launceston, WA South-West, Adelaide, St Kilda, and Western Victorian.
Midwives, maternal child health nurses, psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists, counsellors, and psychiatrists joined for the presentation and discussion. They were appreciative of the opportunity to come along. Many reported feeling “privileged and inspired” to attend the free network meeting and learn from Dr Hatcher’s insights.
This network meeting highlights the power of collaboration and how effective it can be in enhancing professional knowledge and improving care for patients across Australia.
Get involved
MHPN supports a range of networks that meet online or in-person, bringing together practitioners with a shared interest in fields such as Perinatal, Trauma, Veterans’ Mental Health, Addiction, Eating Disorders and ADHD.
Interested in starting your own network? Learn more and apply today!
