Published: Tuesday, 26th January, 2010 1:27pm

Borders loses only post-natal depression centre

by Kate Smail

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HUNDREDS of women in the Borders could be put at risk as the region's only dedicated post-natal depression centre has announced it is to close.

CrossReach, run by the Church of Scotland's social care arm, currently supports up to 40 women a week, but due to a change in funding will close it's Galashiels centre at the end of March.

The Borders Post Natal Depression (PND) Centre at East Lodge was opened in 2005, after high demand forced it move from its former home in Old Gala House.

Tessa Haring, manager of CrossReach's PND services said: "Research has shown that there is a high incidence of post-natal depression in the Borders, which led us to begin our work there in 2001.

"Many of our mothers are suicidal when they first come to our service - they come with very tiny babies and vulnerable children.

"We have been able to provide the support they have needed to move on and embrace motherhood with confidence. It is a huge regret that our funding no longer allows us to provide this support."

One mother, who asked not to be named, told the Border Telegraph: "If it wasn't for the Gala centre I don't know if I'd still be here.

"When I first started going there I'd just had my second child and wasn't coping at all. There wasn't a day that went by when I didn't think about suicide at some point. The staff were fantastic, and just being around other mums who were going through something similar made me realise I wasn't alone and I could get through it.

"I've overcome my problems now, but I dread to think what will happen to other mums suffering from post-natal depression who have nowhere to turn."

Graham Allison, Joint Manager of Mental Health Services for NHS Borders stresses that there is still help available for women.

"Whilst CrossReach is the only voluntary sector centre we are aware of that offers a specific service for post-natal depression, on referral women with the condition are supported by NHS Borders primary care and mental health service."

Local MSP Jeremy Purvis had hoped that more of the centres could be provided across the region. "It's very alarming and deeply disappointing that this service is being lost to the Borders," he said. "They filled a valuable gap that NHS Borders and the social work department couldn't provide. I was at the launch of this service along with Michael Moore and we both hoped it would be rolled out, but instead it is being closed."