A 43-year-old Wellington mother of three is starting a support group for families suffering pre-postnatal depression, writes Barry Knott.

Tina Collin, of Dobree Park, Rockwell Green, suffered herself from such an illness when she lived in New Zealand some years ago. “I got plenty of help and support in New Zealand but I think this kind of thing is lacking in the Westcountry,” she said.

Pandas UK Charity support sessions will be held at the Community Youth Centre in Mantle Street, Wellington, and start next Wednesday (January 15) from 12.30-2.30pm and then every third Wednesday of the month.

“It will be a safe place to come and have a chat with friendly peer support,” she added.

Tina, who has a 20-month girl and two other daughters, aged 11 and 12, is involved in playgroups in Wellington and Rockwell Green.

Tina lived in New Zealand for four years and Australia for two years.

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