‘By mums for mums’: postnatal arts group breaks new ground

6 Sep 2023

The program starts in October at St John of God Raphael Services in Wembley, WA and will focus on supporting new mums to manage their mental health in a holistic way, using techniques such as mindfulness and art therapy, and covering topics such as isolation, guilt and relationships.

The program is being facilitated by Sarah Swiderski, a former client of St John of God Raphael Services, who will use her mental health journey as a parent to make group participants feel heard in their experience and comfortable to explore the feelings that parenthood has uncovered for them.   

The focus of the group is to create a safe environment for mums to discuss challenges, share experiences and normalise the postnatal period that can be distressing for so many. 

It is being offered at no cost to St John of God Raphael Services clients who have completed individual or group sessions with the service.

The program will also be supported by a qualified art therapist to encourage communication beyond the spoken word, via a variety of creative media such as paint, sculpture, drawing and creative writing. 

The pilot program is being launched with funding support from St John of God Health Care’s Arts in Health Program and may eventually become a permanent fixture at the service.

Art therapy across St John of God Health Care is provided at many services and hospitals in recognition of the important role that creative expression plays in mental wellness and healing.

To find out more about St John of God Raphael Services phone 1800 292 292 or go to sjog.org.au/raphael.

Photo: Postnatal group facilitator Sarah Swiderski with daughter Grace at 10 days old. Sarah looks back on that time with mixed feelings that she will share as part of the program: “The photo for me is an example of how things can look to be amazing, yet the storm that was in my head at the time was indescribable.”  Photo credit: Ainsley Kaspi Photography