Radiance Outreach perinatal 1:1 in-home support program
Radiance Network South West is calling on the community to help save its vital perinatal Outreach Program, after a recent funding submission was unexpectedly rejected leaving the future of the service under serious threat.
Since its launch in 2024, the program has supported over 165 families across Busselton, Bunbury, Collie, Margaret River and surrounding rural communities. The Outreach Program provides free, in-home emotional support for new mothers experiencing perinatal anxiety, depression, and isolation.
“Many of the mums we support are in a state of acute distress — struggling with intrusive thoughts, trauma, or unable to leave their homes,” said Radiance Manager, Anne Mackay. “This program is often their first and only lifeline.”
Unlike clinical services, Radiance’s Outreach team meets mothers where they are, literally and emotionally, helping them to reconnect, stabilise, and begin their recovery journey. There is no other in-home, non-clinical perinatal mental health service like it in the region.
Recent data from Radiance revealed that 1 in 4 mothers referred to support groups were unable to attend due to the severity of their mental health symptoms, making in-home care critical.
One mother shared:
“When I reached out, I was in a desperate state — anxious, overwhelmed, and isolated. I couldn’t make it to group meetings, but the home visits gave me a lifeline. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without this support.”
With its major funding application unsuccessful, Radiance has launching this GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to keep the program running for the next 12 months while it seeks long-term backing.
Radiance is also a registered charity and has DGR status so all donations are tax deductible. For sponsorship enquiries or to donate directly, visit the Radiance website.
“This is not just about funding — it’s about mothers’ lives, babies’ futures, and keeping families connected to care,” said Radiance manager Anne Mackay.
Radiance in the media
- Listen to the ABC radio interview
- ABC South West article (on Facebook)
- Busselton Mail article
- Radiance Youtube videos
There is a lot more to read about perinatal mental health, here are some articles:
- ABC News - Perinatal depression and anxiety is a leading cause of maternal death for Australian women. What can we do about it?
- RACGP - Spike in perinatal anxiety and depression
- Perinatal wellbeing centre - The Cost of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety in Australia
- ABC News- Women share experiences with perinatal anxiety and depression to help others reach out
- Life in Mind - Suicide prevention in expectant and new mothers
- The Guardian - Isolated, overwhelmed and hours from a psychologist: regional Australia facing a perinatal health crisis
- Dateline - Antonia became anxious after she had her baby. She's part of a high-risk group
- ABC You Can't Ask That - Post-natal depression
- ABC Queensland - New mum's suicide could have been prevented had she got specialist postnatal treatment, Queensland coroner finds
- RACGP - Perinatal depression leads to increased risk of death: Study
- Maternal Mental Health Alliance - Suicide still a leading cause of maternal death
Co-organizers (2)
Josephine Stewart
Organizer
Ludlow, WA
Radiance Network South West Inc
Beneficiary
Anne mackay
Co-organizer