Community & Business
19 August, 2025
Free program helping mums and babies
A powerful perinatal mental health initiative, Darling Downs Health’s ‘Together in Mind’, is changing the lives of new mums and families across the Darling Downs.
Together in Mind is a free, six-week workshop designed to support women navigating the often-overwhelming early stages of motherhood.
Now in its seventh year, the program has expanded to support more women in enhancing their mental health and fostering stronger connections with their children.
Clinical Nurse Consultant Jennifer Watson said the workshop offers tailored, holistic support.
“It’s an opportunity for mothers to connect with clinicians and each other - to share openly, to feel heard, and to walk away with practical tools for parenting and mental wellbeing,” Ms Watson said.
Each week, mothers gather in a safe and welcoming space to share their experiences and learn from a team of dedicated health professionals, including a perinatal mental health nurse, an infant mental health clinician, and a child health nurse.
Topics covered range from adjusting to parenthood, stress management and emotional regulation in infants, to sleeping, settling, nutrition, and infant development through play and relationship.
For Cyndie, a past participant, the support has made a lasting impact.
“Together In Mind was just a weight lifted off for me,” she said.
“The group gave me tools and confidence and I made friends as well.
“I first joined Together in Mind after the birth of my son seven years ago and returned to the group following the birth of my daughter four years later.
“It has been a really valuable experience.”
At the close of each workshop, participants receive a meaningful memento - a bespoke quilt, lovingly handmade and donated by the Toowoomba Community Quilters.
President of the quilting group, Shirley Bourke said the donation was a heartfelt gesture from the community group.
“We love being part of something that supports families in such a beautiful and practical way.
“Each quilt is a gesture of warmth, comfort and community.”
To find out more about the next Together in Mind program, visit childrens.health.qld.gov.au/resources/health-services/mental-health/together-in-mind or contact pimh@health.qld.gov.au
