Pamper party will help in fight against postnatal depression

A GROUP set up by two friends to help with postnatal depression is organising a pamper event to help mums feel good.

The SMILE Group was set up six years ago by mums Natalie Nuttall and Ruth Eglin after they both experienced postnatal depression and felt passionate about the need for parents to benefit from peer support.

The charity works closely with other PND charities and organisations.

It has peer support groups operating out of children’s centres in Macclesfield, Congleton and Sandbach and offers virtual support via social media.

SMILE Group is hosting a pamper party to show the benefits of pampering for mums.

They will encourage people to feel the benefits of mini holistic treatments at the fundraising event, taking place at Fresh in Macclesfield on Wednesday, February 8.

Promoting the importance of wellbeing and self-care, the charity is inviting guests to enjoy an evening of pampering with a glass of fizz, sample wellbeing treatments and canapes, as well as a raffle.

Sophie Kirk, project co-ordinator for SMILE Group, said: “On the back of the success of our last pamper event, we’re encouraging people to enjoy an evening of indulgence.

“There is a deeper message about the importance of nurturing emotional wellbeing, given that we are a charity that supports and signposts families in the local area affected by perinatal mental illness, such as pre and postnatal anxiety and depression.”

The event is being supported by Cheshirebased, Journeys of Hope, co-founded by Ann Girling and Rachel Redshaw.

Twelve therapists from the local area specialising in a range of treatments, from reiki to reflexology, manicures and deep tissue massage, will be on hand to provide treatments, which are pulled out of the hat on entry to add an element of surprise.

Attendees can benefit from short tutorials in mindfulness and yoga in the ‘Zen Pod’ to advice on how to ease stress and promote emotional wellbeing.

The evening will also involve the opportunity to win prizes in a charity raffle, including dining vouchers for Piccolino, a beer presentation pack from The Bollington Brewing Co, a Ted Baker satchel and a host of holistic treatments.

Rachel Redshaw, from Journeys of Hope said: “We’re delighted to be supporting SMILE Group’s event as we share the same vision to help families struggling with PND.”

Go to virginmoney giving.com/fund/ smilepamperparty to buy tickets for the event.