CURA are offering a new service support for new mothers who may be feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or finding it difficult to cope in their new role. They expect to be instant experts and when they are not, they don’t know where to turn. Simple exhaustion can sometimes lead to postnatal depression difficulties, but with the help and support of CURA’s almost 300 trained volunteer counsellors in their 16 centres and three outreach centres, they can offer any mother of a new baby a safe place where she can voice her concerns and doubts.
CURA are not trying to duplicate or replicate existing services, but they try to fill the gap between the time a young mother has her baby and adjusting to parenthood.
Volunteer counsellors from Athlone have undertaken the additional training and all centres will offer this service within the next few months. Their objectives are to ensure the young parents are equipped with the practical information needed to support them in their role as new parents and link them with other services as appropriate, which they may need to support them personally. These services might include parenting courses, young mothers support groups, personal development programmes, counselling services, money advice and budgeting services, career guidance services, further education, training services, and other support services.
In Athlone the new service can be accessed by phoning (090 ) 6474272 Monday and Wednesday from 11am to 1pm, and Monday to Friday from 6pm to 7pm, and as with all services, it is free and confidential.
The service can be accessed nationally on Lo-Call 1850 622 626 Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 9pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm. Visit www.cura.ie
