A new grassroots initiative born from personal struggle is set to bring hope, healing, and heartfelt support to local mums battling perinatal mental health challenges.
Founded and launched by Mackay mother Amanda Potter, The Held Project offers peer-to-peer emotional support for women experiencing mental health difficulties during pregnancy and postpartum. The initiative plans to deliver care packs, thoughtfully filled with nappy bags containing self-care items, resources, and small comforts to vulnerable mums in Mackay’s maternity wards.
Amanda, now the project’s founding director, said the idea stemmed directly from her own journey.
“The idea came to me a few years ago,” she said.
“I just never want other mums to go through what I went through.
“If I had someone come in who had lived experience… to nurture me and tell me that it’s all going to be okay, and that it’s safe to get help – that would have definitely made a world of difference.”
After facing postnatal depression and anxiety with her first child, and later perinatal psychosis during her second pregnancy, Amanda realised there was a gap in local support services, and it’s one she’s now determined to fill.
“Our goal is to be a supportive friend,” she explained, “to encourage our local mums in the right direction to get proper long-term assistance.”
Amanda is joined in the initiative by director Courtney Simpson, alongside volunteers Maria, Alison and Emma—affectionately referred to as “angels” for the compassion and dedication they bring to the cause.
Each hospital visit will offer more than just a thoughtfully packed care bag. It will bring a warm conversation, a comforting coffee, and heartfelt support from someone who truly understands.
The team has just moved into their newly established MUM HQ, located inside Cheeky Little Monkeys on Wood Street. The space will act as a drop-in centre where local mums can receive peer support, as well as help with essentials like formula, nappies, and more.
“I don’t think there’s anything like this in the region,” Amanda said.
“So many mums are isolated – whether they’re single or have partners working away…We want to bring that bit of light into the maternity ward.”
To get the project off the ground, the team is seeking funds to register as a not-for-profit and cover insurance costs.
“We’re hoping our heart for women suffering from perinatal mental health conditions can be seen by Mackay and further out nationwide,” Amanda said.
To support The Held Project, visit www.theheldproject.org or contact Amanda directly at amanda@theheldproject.org. Donations can also be made through their Facebook page or GoFundMe campaign.
Mackay mum Amanda Potter launches The Held Project to support new mothers facing perinatal mental health challenges with peer support and care packs delivered directly to maternity wards. Photos supplied
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