National Childbirth Trust, Chippenham and District

A FUNDRAISING event to raise awareness about post-natal depression had plenty of momentum after teaming up with Puddle Ducks Bristol and Bath, which specialises in swimming lessons for babies and children. The event also raised nearly £200 for the National Childbirth Trust (NCT).

The sponsored baby buggy push was held at the stunning Monkton Park, Chippenham and was organised by the NCT Chippenham and District.

The sun shone as 50 eager parents and families all enthusiastically took part in a warm up, followed by the main event, the 5k walk and buggy push around the Junior Parkrun route of the beautiful park. The afternoon was then rounded off with a well-deserved picnic,

The NCT and Puddle Ducks are keen to raise awareness for both maternal mental health and the #hiddenhalf campaign, which highlights the issues dads can face.

Sarah Austin from Puddle Ducks Bristol and Bath commented: “We were delighted to be able to get involved with the NCT Big Push. Post-natal depression is very common and yet there is still a stigma attached to it, so campaigns like The Big Push are really important to get the word out that there is help available.

“Swimming is an activity that positively encourages bonding between a baby and their parents providing relaxation as well as having fun, which makes the NCT a cause very close to our hearts.”

According to the NCT it is estimated that one in 10 women experience post-natal depression, and it can also affect fathers and partners.

The money raised will be used to develop perinatal mental health awareness workshops and provide a range of practical resources to be distributed across the NCT’s UK-wide network.

The NCT works with Puddle Ducks to provide swimming teachers with the knowledge and confidence to recognise the signs and symptoms of different mental health issues and signpost parents to specialist services.

For more information visit www.puddleducks.com or www.nct.org.uk/about-big-push.