Cape hike for a cause

A group of Karratha mums are in training for a good cause as they prepare to take on an inaugural coastal trek to raise funds for perinatal depression support.

The Move For Mental Health Hike will see eight local women and three from Perth take on the 135km Cape to Cape Trail in the South West in November on a mission to raise awareness of perinatal depression and anxiety in the community and promote coping strategies.

The walk is the brainchild of the founder of Karratha’s The Moment Room, Kylianne Farrell, whose work helps women cope with perinatal issues through exercise. Ms Farrell said she wanted to start the walk after experiencing postnatal depression following the birth of her first child and seeing the emotional turmoil it could cause new families.

“There are so many mums around who are struggling emotionally,” she said.

“I wanted to stimulate what nature and movement can give back to you.

“I wanted to do it to give mums the opportunity to come and know themselves on a personal level so they can move forward and do the great things they want to do.”

An estimated one in five women and one in 10 men experience perinatal depression or anxiety.

Mrs Farrell said the hike would be a “life-changing” experience for participants and provide social support and coping mechanisms for people going through the conditions.

Funds raised will be donated to the not-for-profit Gidget Foundation, which provides support for families going through emotional distress in pregnancy and early parenting and education for the wider community.

The Move For Mental Health hike will be held from November 12-19. Ms Farrell said she encouraged as many local women to get involved as possible. Visit the movementroom.com.au.