Perinatal Mental Health Support for New Parents in the Manawatu.
A space to come together with other māmā/birth parents
Group Programme
You are not alone
Pregnancy and early parenthood can be both fun and challenging.
If you’re feeling sad, anxious, overwhelmed, exhausted, or not like yourself, you’re not alone.
Many new parents experience this, and support can help.
This is a small, supportive group space for māmā / birth parents during pregnancy and up to five years after birth. The group offers a calm, welcoming environment where you can feel understood, learn practical wellbeing tools, and connect with others who "get it."
This programme is designed to help you:
• Feel more supported and less alone
• Build emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and early motherhood
• Strengthen calm, confidence, and coping skills
• Find what works for you
• Navigate the journey
What you can expect:
• A small, caring group environment
• Compassionate, experienced facilitators
• Practical wellbeing strategies
• Time to feel heard and supported
Come just as you are, there’s no need to have anything “figured out”.
Who this group programme is for:
This group is for māmā /birth parents experiencing a decline in mental wellbeing relating to, or resulting from, pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting within the first 2,000 days (Pregnancy to 5 years).
Our support is non-clinical and designed for parents with a mild to moderate decline in mental wellbeing.
Curious whether this group is a good fit for you? We’re here to chat.
Course details
When: Programme begins Monday 9th March
Duration: weekly for 4 weeks
Time: 10.00am–12.00pm
Where: New Life Church, 590 Featherston Street, Palmerston North
Cost: no charge
Ready to take the first step or want to know more?
Register your interest by completing the website Contact Us section and we will be in touch.
A Little About Your Facilitators
Paula is an experienced registered nurse and midwife who is currently studying to be a counsellor.
Alongside her mahi in The Hope Collective, Paula also owns her own business providing personal coaching for women and professional supervision for nurses and midwives.
Paula is passionate about supporting new parents and children in pregnancy and early years, to enable whānau to reach their full potential in life.
Born and raised in the Manawatu, Paula is married and has three adult children and three preschool Mokopuna who bring her much joy.
In her spare time Paula enjoys spending time with family and friends, designing gardens, growing plants and spending time at the beach.
Katherine is an experienced Health Coach who supports people to build mental fitness in practical, everyday ways. She has a background in nursing, coaching, and running workshops. Katherine works with many different groups and enjoys creating welcoming spaces where people can build meaningful connections, learn, and grow together.
Katherine brings her life experience to her work. She supports people to add simple tools to their kete, things they can use to feel more steady, confident, and supported in everyday life. Her approach is warm, down-to-earth, and encouraging.
Katherine lives in the Manawatū and is married. She and her husband have farmed for over 30 years. She is a mum to three adult children and is excited to be welcoming her first mokopuna in April.
Outside of work, Katherine enjoys the simple things that help her feel grounded. She loves being outdoors, having coffee with friends, visiting the kids, reading good books, listening to music, and spending time with her three fur babies.
Our Trustees
Paula Spargo
Katherine Gillespie
Jessica Sandbrook
Paula is a Registered Nurse and Midwife, Coach, and Professional Supervisor with over 25 years of experience in clinical, leadership, quality improvement, and system design. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Counselling. Paula’s work has primarily focused on the first 2,000 days of life, with particular expertise in pregnancy and the early childhood period from birth to five years.
Jessica Sandbrook
Katherine Gillespie
Jessica Sandbrook
Jessica Sandbrook is a Registered Nurse with experience in child health, SUDI prevention, and quality improvement across the first 2,000 days of life. She was commissioned by Health NZ to author the Perinatal Mental Health Environmental Scan for the Central Region and currently works in a mental health clinical leadership role within a community NGO.
Robyn Ballard
Katherine Gillespie
Katherine Gillespie
Robyn Ballard is a Registered Nurse (non-practising) with wide-ranging experience across the health sector. She holds a Diploma in Management (Advanced) and brings extensive leadership and management experience, with expertise in governance, policy, and service on community trusts.
Katherine Gillespie
Katherine Gillespie
Katherine Gillespie
Katherine Gillespie is a Registered Nurse (non-practising) and a certified Mental Health Coach, committed to mental fitness, connection, and belonging. She brings experience in group coaching, workshop facilitation, and programme delivery across community and industry settings. Katherine contributes a practical, people-centred perspective
Katherine Gillespie is a Registered Nurse (non-practising) and a certified Mental Health Coach, committed to mental fitness, connection, and belonging. She brings experience in group coaching, workshop facilitation, and programme delivery across community and industry settings. Katherine contributes a practical, people-centred perspective through her experience in governance, strategic oversight, and rural wellbeing.
