Perinatal Mental Health Support for New Parents in the Manawatu.
Manawa tūmanako: Heart of hope
A warm space to learn practical wellbeing tools, feel understood, and connect
Joyful moments and tough days are part of the parenting journey. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or life has just lost its spark, you’re not alone. Support can help.
Manawa tūmanako is small group support programme for māmā, pregnant people, and birth parents from pregnancy through early parenting (up to 5 years)
Register your interest or book a quick chat
Who's it for:
- Pregnant people, māmā, and birth parents seeking support for mild–moderate mood or wellbeing challenges during pregnancy and the first 5 years after birth
- Non-clinical support focused on practical skills and connection
What you’ll gain:
- Feel more supported and less alone
- Learn practical wellbeing tools you can use daily
- Build calmer routines and stronger coping skills
- Connect with other parents who "get it"
What you can expect:
- A small, caring group environment
- Facilitators who listen, support, and guide
- Real-world strategies you can apply right away
- Space to be heard
Course details:
When: Programme begins Friday 29th May
Duration: weekly for 6 weeks
Time: 9.30am–11.30pm
Where: New Life Church, 590 Featherston Street, Palmerston North
Cost: no charge
How to join
- Ready to take the next step? Register your interest via the Contact Us form, or chat with us at hello@thehopecollective to see if this is a good fit for you
This is a supportive, non-clinical programme. It is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
A Little About Your Facilitators
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.
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.
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.
