As of 29 September 2020, new and expecting Mums in Townsville will have access to a clinically proven and highly successful program already operating in some of Queensland’s largest maternity hospitals.
For the first time, through health care facilities such as Townsville University Hospital, White Cloud Foundation’s Meals for Mums program will be expanded to North Queensland providing immediate and real support to women experiencing or at risk of perinatal depression.
Chair of White Cloud Foundation, Professor Adam Scott said the Meals for Mums program delivers practical mental health support to new and expecting mothers through home-delivery of 14 free nutritious meals and access to phone support.
“Sadly, Queensland has the highest rate of perinatal depression in Australia and depression is the leading cause of death in women during pregnancy and the first year after giving birth.
“At White Cloud Foundation we are determined to change this statistic,” Professor Scott said.
“We know a little support when the mother is struggling can make a big difference. Nutritious meals and practical help can mean a lot for new mums,” Professor Scott said.
“We have seen this firsthand at hospitals in South East Queensland including RBWH, Caboolture, Redcliffe and Gold Coast University Hospital as well as Tasmania’s Royal Hobart Hospital.
“Through this program, we also work with nurses, social workers and other allied health staff to identify mums who need some extra support, and connect them with services that will be helpful to them.”
Professor Scott said perinatal depression affects one in six new mothers and one in ten new fathers.
“With the impact of COVID-19, we have seen a 190% increase in demand for the Meals for Mums program during the first half of 2020,” said Prof. Scott.
“So far this year we have delivered meals to over 300 new mums. That’s 300 women and their families who were struggling to cope. We know a little practical support in those difficult times can go a long way.”
The program commenced in South East Queensland in 2016 and expanded to Tasmania in 2018. So far, the program has been funded solely through community fundraising activities.
A Queensland Government grant this year has made it possible to expand the program to Townsville, while keeping up with increased demand for support.
Mr Scott Stewart, Member for Townsville said he was very pleased to see the program come to North Queensland.
“This is real and practical support for new and expectant mums in our community, which the Queensland Government is pleased to support.
“It is great to welcome White Cloud Foundation and their work to Townsville.”
White Cloud Foundation is also grateful to Kingsberry Harcourts for sponsoring the program in Townsville.
“This is an excellent initiative and something that will no doubt have real impact in the community,” said Ben Kingsberry, Managing Director of Kingsberry Harcourts in Townsville.
White Cloud Foundation is proud to partner with public hospitals in South-East Queensland, Southern Tasmania and now North Queensland to deliver a program, which is designed to complement clinical treatment.
Meals for Mums Townsville is proudly sponsored by:
