New mums can get support

3:58pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

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A SUPPORT network for mums and their tiny tots is looking for new members.

Chums4mums, run by women's weekly magazine Take A Break, has branched into Swindon and is offering a friendly meeting place for mums of all ages.

The national initiative was launched this year after health writer Lucy Jolin, who occasionally writes for the magazine, spoke about her own experience of post-natal depression.

Emma Passmore, 22, the Swindon area co-ordinator of the group, said: "I got to know of the group when I'd bought the magazine as a one-off.

"I thought it was a great idea. I have a 14-month-old son and although I didn't suffer from post-natal depression I know that being a mother for the first time and be quite daunting and I just wanted to help.

"I wanted to do something so that mums wouldn't be left feeling alone and this way they would always have someone to talk to.

"Also, because there wasn't a similar group in Swindon it was a good place to start.

"Post-natal depression is very common and many mums suffer alone but this doesn't have to be the case and I hope this group will help in changing that and allow mums to have an outlet."

Emma, pictured with her son Jake, is currently arranging coffee mornings and days out for mums in the group, but is keen to hear from more potential members.

The initiative aims to find a friend for every mother.

Emma said: "Since things have just started up we need more members and hope that there will be an interest so Swindon mothers can get the support they need."

Take A Break's deputy editor Sophie Hearsey said: "For some mums, it can be very hard. You spend all day at home, you have no one to talk to, you miss your old job and friends, you feel unappreciated and cannot bond.

"You start wondering if you are a bad mother and start to feel worthless. We want to change that through chums4mums."

Chums4mums will hold monthly meetings, starting on Friday from 1pm to 2.30pm. The next meetings will be on June 6, and July 4.

They will be held at the Sure Start Centre in Everleigh Road, Penhill. details call Emma on 01793321426 and visit www.chums4mums.co.uk to sign up.