Released on: 21 July 2016

NCT is encouraging mums and dads in Manchester and London to help parents give mental illness ‘The Big Push’ by joining a family friendly 5 km buggy push.

Registration is now open for NCT’s The Big Push event to be held at Heaton Park, Manchester and Battersea Park, London on Sunday 4 September and Sunday 11 September respectively. The event will raise vital funds to support the many new parents who experience perinatal mental illness, and promote positive emotional wellbeing for all parents.

The funds will be used to develop mental health awareness workshops and a range of practical resources to be distributed across the UK through NCT’s network of over 300 local branches.

NCT Head of Research, Dr Sarah McMullen said: “We know that many women’s mental health can be affected during pregnancy and early parenthood, and many find it incredibly difficult to talk about how they are feeling.

“There are a range of symptoms and conditions that fall under perinatal mental illness, including antenatal or postnatal depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder – and dads can be affected too. If left untreated it can have a devastating effect on the whole family. 

“Getting help early can make all the difference. NCT’s mental health awareness workshops and resources will help break the stigma around mental illness within parenting communities, encourage women and their partners to access support, and ultimately make a real difference to so many new parents’ lives.

NCT Community Fundraising Manager, Andy Connolly said: “The Big Push is a fun, family friendly, social way to get active outdoors while raising vital funds for a much needed cause. 

“Whether you push a pram, slip on your sling or walk with your toddler in tow, NCT encourages all mums and dads in Manchester and London to join in The Big Push for better mental health.”

NCT’s The Big Push events build on its #beyondbabyblues campaign, which continues to raise awareness of perinatal mental illnesses that affect new parents nationally.

To register for The Big Push in Manchester and to find out more about the cause or putting on your own event, visit NCT’s The Big Push website.

NCT’s The Big Push is proudly sponsored by Puddle Ducks

Event details:

What: NCT’s The Big Push

Where: Heaton Park, Manchester and Battersea Park, London

Date: Sunday 4 September (Manchester) and Sunday 11 September (London)

Time: Registration 10 am for a 11 am start (Manchester) and Registration 9 am for a 9.45 am start (London)

Cost: £8 registration fee and a minimum of £30 fundraised donation 

How to register: NCT’s The Big Push website

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