New figures reveal rise in parents seeking mental health support
Just five months into 2021, calls to Whānau Āwhina Plunket from parents seeking mental health support have already
exceeded those received in all of 2020, which was already up 22% on 2019 levels.
“This sad statistic highlights the acute need for additional support for parents’ mental health in our communities.
Bringing a newborn into the world can be overwhelming at times. Additionally, the COVID-19-related issues still
affecting many families into 2021 have exacerbated levels of poverty, unemployment, and domestic stress for some,” says
Whānau Āwhina Plunket Chief Executive, Amanda Malu.
“Becoming a parent is life-changing. It’s also a steep learning curve that brings huge responsibilities. When you add
sleep deprivation, reduced income, and often, limited whānau support, the transitions to parenting can be a tough one
which takes its toll on parental mental wellbeing.”
Whānau Āwhina Plunket know around 15-20% of Kiwi parents develop some form of mental health issue during pregnancy and
after their baby is born. That’s why this is a key focus area for Whānau Āwhina Plunket in its work to empower and
connect communities, and help people who are isolated, disconnected or feel unable to cope, get the support they
desperately need.
Through its Share the Hugs campaign, Huggies® is donating $20,000 to help Whānau Āwhina Plunket provide a range of initiatives to support parental
mental health.
Every day, Whānau Āwhina Plunket works to support families experiencing parental mental health issues and help connect
them with specialised support services. Funds raised through the Huggies® Share the Hugs campaign will support Whānau Āwhina Plunket to provide support to those with mental health needs, such as:Free parenting courses and access to family centresProviding additional support groups and some specialised mental health servicesAdvocating for those needing parental mental health support
“The long-standing partnership we have with Whānau Āwhina Plunket is so important to Huggies®. We are proud to have
worked with them for 29 years to support Kiwi families in getting the help they need at this important time in their
babies’ lives. We’re firm believers in the saying it takes a village to raise a child, and we are keen to play our part
through the Share the Hugs campaign,” says Pip Catherwood, Huggies® marketing manager.
To donate directly to Share the Hugs and Whānau Āwhina Plunket please click here.