New community initiative sheds light on postpartum depression in the Central Okanagan.
The Beyond the Blues program, run by The Bridge Youth & Family Services, supports mothers suffering from postpartum depression and anxiety, conditions that affect about one in eight women, according to program coordinator Jennifer Scott.
“It’s not talked about enough,” Scott said. “This is something that has really come to the fore in recent years.”
To help keep the program going, creative professionals from across the Okanagan have come together to host fundraising auctionoffering everything from photo shoots to graphic design, jewelry, tattoos and art classes.
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The initiative is led by photographer Nicole Richard, owner of Wax Pencil Imagery.
“I experienced postpartum depression myself,” she said. “I know how difficult it is to survive without a strong community. Beyond the Blues is a program that helps create that community.”
This program is the only one of its kind in the Central Okanagan. With limited funding, Scott says community initiatives like this are critical.
Money raised will help keep the program running throughout the year, including staff hours, meals for participants and one-on-one counseling provided by a psychiatrist, Scott said.
Demand for support remains high. Over the past seven months, 56 women have attended the program, received 86 referrals and made almost 300 visits.
Richard is donating a special photo shoot to the auction and has gathered dozens of other artists to join in.
“Photographers are my people,” she said. “But we also have graphic designers, art classes, jewelry, painting, tattoo artists, hair stylists—I opened it up to all creative people.”
Scott hopes this attention will bring more attention to the issue.
“I really hope this sparks a conversation,” she said. “This program is very near and dear to my heart. Seeing these moms come together gives them education, tools and support.”
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