JANUARY 2017 Your special message from PANDA’s new Chairperson, Nicki Batagol! Dear Friend, As we start 2018 and look towards the year ahead, I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Chairperson of PANDA, and to share with you a little of why I’m so passionate about PANDA’s work supporting individuals and families affected by perinatal anxiety, depression and postnatal psychosis. I originally contacted PANDA in 2010 after watching an Insight program dedicated to perinatal anxiety and depression. As someone who experienced postnatal depression following the birth of both of my children, I was deeply moved by the stories and inspired by PANDA’s work. Eager to make a difference myself, I immediately volunteered for PANDA’s Community Education and Training program. A year later I became a Board Member and six years after that, in October 2017, I was appointed to the role of Chair. I am absolutely delighted to be appointed to this role, as I see it as a great privilege to work with the Board to oversee and drive the strategic direction of PANDA, along with CEO Terri Smith and her talented leadership team. In my time at PANDA, I’ve seen a great deal of change and watched the organisation grow from strength to strength, while still maintaining the essence of who PANDA is through the compassionate and expert care we provide to families. While there have been some challenging times with funding uncertainty, these have been overshadowed by the extraordinary growth and development of the services we provide and the families we support. We are currently receiving an unprecedented number of calls to our National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline from all over Australia. As someone who has recovered from postnatal depression, I know how important this phone call is as the first step to seeking help. Our work is also evolving through our various online services and we expect to see this area grow in the years ahead. Of course there will be new challenges ahead of us, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the Board, Terri and her team to overcome these and continue to reduce the impact of perinatal depression and anxiety through information, awareness raising and services. I’m also grateful for your own continued support! I do hope you can continue to stand alongside us as we work to make a difference together! With my very best wishes,
|