A TEAM who help support new and expectant mums across the region are getting ready to scale new heights.
Staff from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s (BCUHB) Perinatal Mental Health Service, based at the Ablett Unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital, will take on Snowdon on June 22.
Through the challenge, money is being raised for perinatal mental health charities PANDA and Action on Postpartum Psychosis. Awareness is also being raised.
Sally Wilson with her daughter Ella
Joining the team on the gruelling challenge is Sally Wilson, who developed Postpartum Psychosis following the birth of her daughter Ella in March 2015.
The former Bangor University researcher suffered her first psychotic episode just days after Ella was delivered. The illness made her believe she had killed her daughter and caused her to have suicidal thoughts.
Sally, who has now recovered and now works as training coordinator with Action on Postpartum Psychosis, said: "It’s so important to raise awareness of perinatal mental health. When I was ill, there wasn’t a specialist team in North Wales, so I relied quite heavily on charities like APP to help me recover from my illness, and ultimately, they saved my life.
“APP provide up to date information and award winning peer support to women and their families who have experienced Postpartum Psychosis. We help raise awareness, work with services to improve care for women and families and train and support volunteers to talk to health professionals about Postpartum Psychosis.
“The North Wales Perinatal Mental Health Team have worked really hard to raise awareness and it is great that they have chosen to raise money for APP. I am really looking forward to completing this challenge together."
Donnalee Williams, Perinatal Mental Health Team Manager, said: "We want new and expectant mums to know that it’s quite common to struggle with mental health problems and sharing how they’re feeling with their health visitor, GP or any health professional involved in their care can be the first step to getting the help they need."
To sponsor the team visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DonnaleeWilliams
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