The Radiance Network South West has received part of a $1 million investment by the State Government to support perinatal services that boost mental health opportunities.
Founded in Busselton, the Radiance Network support the emotional wellbeing of mums and dads in the community as they journey into parenthood.
The community group was founded in 2017 and has relied solely on donations and fundraising events to provide its services.
Radiance Network South West manager Anne Mackay said they were quite relieved and very grateful to receive the funding.
"It will allow us to keep running our services for another 12 months so we can keep doing our work," she said.
"Our volunteers aren't paid. The funding means our group facilitators can be paid for the next 12 months."
With state government funding the group are looking at expanding its Mother Baby Nurture program into Bunbury.
"It is exciting and so needed," Ms Mackay said.
Statistics show that one in five expectant new mums and one in ten new dads will experience perinatal anxiety and depression, which is treatable and temporary.
"Going forward we need to establish a permanent hub for people to seek support in a safe place," she said.
Mental Health Minister Stephen Dawson announced last week that the funding would deliver seven new pilot programs in Perth and the South West which were tailored to community needs and addressed service gaps.
The programs will include services for women experiencing co-occurring complexities such as history of trauma, family and domestic violence and will also include a New Dads' program to address barriers for fathers to access support.
Mr Dawson said the government recognised that investing in perinatal and infant mental health built the foundations for wellbeing and success across the lifespan of our youngest Western Australians and for future generations to come.
"The first years of parenthood can be tough for people regarding social and emotional adjustment and mental illness so making sure traditional and non-traditional options are available for women and men to access is so important for good mental health outcomes," he said.
"These pilot programs will increase the mental health support provided to men to promote father inclusive practice, and reduce psychological distress associated with fatherhood."
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Vasse MLA Libby Mettam congratulated the group on the funding to continue the vital work they do to support families and to raise awareness around perinatal anxiety and depression.
"I have had the benefit of working with Anne Mackay for a number of years and know how much this much needed funding will benefit many southwest families," she said.