Testimonials
Signing up to the Outreach program was a way that I could access some much needed support at a crucial stage post partum. When I reached out, I was in a mentally desperate state of anxiety, due to lack of support and motherhood overwhelm.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t in the position to start finding my way out of the house to go to the group meetings and that is still in the plan.
Over the time Same came into our home we developed a relationship in which I was able to relax enough to accept some help with the children, general household duties whilst providing some much needed emotional support. This is something I have desperately needed help with not having family close by and with husband being so busy.
My only wish was that there was more time, by the time we had settled into a groove, developed a relationship and how Sam could help, the sessions had come to an end.
I am so grateful for the support I have received and really feel for any mother struggling with mental health issues that have little support, it is a necessary service to have available if needed.
- 2024 Radiance Outreach mum
Dads, I highly recommend enrolling in the Bringing up Great Kids parenting course! Catherine and Anne, our passionate and knowledgeable facilitators, made our weekly sessions enjoyable, engaging, and relatable. They provided valuable insights on understanding our babies' needs and encouraged us to bring our unique parenting styles into fostering a happy, healthy, and positive parenting journey.
The supportive group of fellow dads was priceless. We shared our experiences, learned from each other's challenges, and gained valuable lessons. The best part is that you'll meet like-minded dads who aspire to be the best versions of themselves for their children.
This course has helped me feel more confident and connected with my child, deepening our bond. If you're a dad seeking to enhance your parenting skills and create a stronger relationship with your child(ren), I wholeheartedly endorse this course.
- 2023 Bringing Up Great Kids Dad
I found the first 1000 days program (Bringing Up Great Kids - Dads) extremely valuable and it definitely helped to grow my confidence as a new father. The facilitators were kind, caring and compassionate and allowed space for the whole group to learn and share organically in a welcoming environment. I highly recommend the program to all fathers!
- 2023 Bringing Up Great Kids Dad
I would like to take this time to thank the supportive team at Radiance. When I was in hospital with my fifth child and had relocated interstate with no family or support what so ever, I was in a very dark place, to the point where I had lost myself, I could not see a positive road ahead. I knew that I wanted a more productive and positive me so I can be the best that I can be for my children. It was suggested to me by medical staff from the hospital to go to the group. At first it was hard to even make the decision to go, but after attending, I looked forward to it every Tuesday mornings. The lovely ladies at Radiance made it so easy for me to feel welcome, safe, and not judged. To have this available was a life saver. It built my self belief and to know that I was not the only one going through hard times and finding it difficult to see light at the end of the tunnel. To be able to go once a week helped me to recharge and face the next 7 days with a little more thought and positive energy. To say that I felt safe with these lovely ladies is an understatement. It's more than that, the ladies felt like family to me as they were my support group whilst being in Bunbury. As I now am back in NSW, I really do miss the group. I feel so blessed to have been able to attend and if I was still in Bunbury I would still go every Tuesday. I believe that a place like Bunbury where there are a lot of families moving due to work in the mines and have fly in fly out partners working and not having immediate family to help, this is vital for many mothers. The amount of activities that Radiance provides for families is so very important. I wish they were here, where I am currently. I am trying to stay focused and keep in mind all that I experienced whilst attending. I would also like to strongly emphasise that yes the service is very much needed, but its also the staff that truly make everything run so well. Thank you to all the passionate volunteers and staff. I truly do miss you all. Thank you for showing me that I can do it, and that it's OK to have my days where I might not be up to things. I can never thank you enough.
- 2023 Radiance mum
I was referred to Radiance by my midwife when I was 5 weeks post-partum. With my family living overseas and partner unable to take more time off work and working 13 hours a day, she saw I had quite a big hole in my support network. I understood in that moment the phrase 'it takes a village'. I was surviving on two pieces of toast a day and I wasn't coping mentally at all. The first day I walked into Radiance I felt my shoulders relax. The warm smiles from the facilitators and the group members put me immediately at ease. In that second I realised I was not alone. Having a safe space to talk about my struggles and everyone's nodding heads of familiarity with those struggles felt like the big brain hug that I needed. The group reminds you to also give yourself a big pat on the back for your accomplishments of the week which is something I had forgotten to do. I look forward to the group sessions weekly, the lovely volunteers take bubba off your hands and make you a nice strong coffee and you can have that self care moment surrounded by love and support. I feel that Radiance has helped me through these first steps into motherhood and with weekly presentations and topics give us such great knowledge and support. Thank you to all the lovely ladies who support us each week with cuddles, conversations, coffee and giggles. Can't thank Radiance enough for lifting me up and creating my village.
- 2023 Radiance mum
The Radiance support group saved my early motherhood experience after my second bub. I didn't realise how much I wasn't coping and how much I needed that type of support group. I don't have family that live near with my folks in the UK and my partners mum up in Perth. The weekly catch ups gave me something to look forward to each week. CJ and Nikki and all the support volunteers were so great at making you feel heard and supported. It was important for me to vocalise and work through my feelings and sometimes dark thoughts that I was having. Knowing I could do that and not be judged and most of all made to realise everything I was feeling was totally normal! Talking through my experience and issues helped me come to some important decisions that positively impacted my life and my baby's life. I will be forever grateful to CJ, Nikki and the team. I don't know where I would have ended up had I not met CJ by chance one day and started my journey with Radiance
- 2023 Radiance mum
As a new Mum,
Radiance staff and volunteers provided me with a safe space each week that was supportive (practical and empathically) and non judgemental. Staff and volunteers took time to listen, hold space, help me with my baby and just see me for where I was at. I felt heard, I felt able to be myself and the group allowed me to just be me. Radiance was such a nourishing soul experience postpartum as I found all the new information very overwhelming and I just needed to do the basic things, Radiance held space for me and where I was at and taught me how to lower my expectations whilst being a new mum for the first time. The support in the group felt collectively empathetic and one where I could be myself and slowly get use to motherhood and my new norm. I also found the workshops and information sessions on relationships, feeding and new topics to motherhood helpful and less overwhelming in a small and understanding group rather than in community where sometimes judgement or societal norms could be at play, whereas Radiance group/staff were less rigid, less judgemental and allowed more time to openly talk to presenter and ask personal questions that may help yourself and or others in the group. Radiance also gave me time and space to move on when I was ready and come back if needed in my postpartum journey which is so needed when we are entering a new journey or new world where we are learning everything for the first time.
Lastly, Radiance provided a safe space for other mums to bond and be support for one another in the FIFO space which is so common in the southwest but unique and one of a kind but is so needed as it means there are more pressures at play and more expectations on one parent which overall load can be hard at times, just having others in the group share these commonalities and hear where your at can be so helpful knowing you aren't alone but you can get through it and it will take time and Radiance will hold space for you while you get use to being a mum
- 2023 Radiance mum
I received support through my difficult time, I learned that I am not alone. I grew more confident in my parenting. I joined Radiance as I was struggling, felt lonely, lacked confidence in myself and my parenting. Since I joined Radiance, I have developed more confidence in myself and parenting, and more resilience in facing the day-to-day challenges raising my son. Thank you for everything!
- 2023 Radiance mum
So supportive and really helpful with addressing issues and making Mums feel more normal and accepted.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
I have more compassion for myself now.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
I have continued to do wonder watch and baby massage and I can see the benefits.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
I can now ‘be with’ my baby and enjoy it and not resent her.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
I have looked forward to this group each week – it has been my therapy and helped me so much.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
I feel like I understand my baby in ways that I didn’t before.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
I feel so much more confident as a mother now.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
It helped me a lot to connect with other Mums and also helped me to see that I’m not alone or judged and that I can get support. It was amazing!
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
I think everything about this group has been great, all of the stories, songs and activities were relevant and helpful.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
I loved everything! Everyone was so welcoming, which helped me to feel not so alone and vulnerable. It also helped me to understand my baby more and that my best is enough.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
The group environment was respectful and and safe, which helped me to learn more about myself as a person and guide me to becoming a better mum for my baby. We will be forever grateful. Thank you!
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
This group was so welcoming and supportive, it made it easier to open up about private topics and express my feelings, to be heard and not judged.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this group. It’s always hard in a new group but Becky and Janet could not have been more welcoming and held so much space for me. The other amazing mothers present also made it such a great experience.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
The connection with other Mums in the same boat, and the nurturing environment made it easier to communicate more openly about my struggles.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
This group was amazing, I don’t know where I’d be without it.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
I really enjoy coming and feeling a 're-boost' or 'recharge' till my next visit. Thank you.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
I enjoy the group the way it is, I think the ladies that are here do help make it so comfortable.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
I love to come to group, it makes me know that I am not the only one feeling the way I do.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
I am not feeling alone and have support and friends.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
Radiance has been great for me and a great supportive community.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
I have gained support, purpose and friends and it's been amazing.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
Beautiful facilitators, thank you for these Wednesday’s, they are cherished.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
MBN got me out of the house. I loved it, wish it was longer, Thankyou Becky and Fran.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
The information and discussions each week have been so helpful, I find myself reflecting on them during the week and putting them into practice/ reflecting. I love how helpful and nurturing Becky and Fran are and I really enjoy sitting on the floor and sharing morning tea and I love just spending time with my baby in this environment, Thank you so much! I really do appreciate all the help and support I’ve received in this group- it has been so beneficial and was a much-needed resource. I wouldn’t be where I am now without the help of Mother baby Nurture and Radiance. I feel a lot happier and confident in my parenting skills and ability to cope in tough times. This group has given me additional tools to further draw on when I need them
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
Radiance is somewhere to feel without judgement, break the isolation and the guest speakers help to educate me.
- 2023 Radiance mum
Radiance gives so much understanding and support. It is somewhere safe to talk about my mental health. The ladies at Radiance Busselton have helped me so much to embrace my bubba and connect with other mothers. I'm grateful to have this place.
- 2023 Radiance mum
Radiance gives me support and advice navigating my emotions and better connections with my son.
- 2023 Radiance mum
I have learned to ask for help. Radiance has provided me a safe space to come and feel supported after being discharged from the MBU.
- 2023 Radiance mum
Radiance has given me confidence to talk about my feelings. I have benefited as everyone is so understanding and lovely. I feel confident talking about how I've been feeling. Nikki and Cj are so understanding. My only safe space is Radiance.
- 2023 Radiance mum
I am extremely grateful for my time at Radiance, they helped me get through the hardest time of my life and gave me the confidence I needed to learn to become a mum.
- 2023 Radiance mum
Radiance has helped me to find ways to cope with motherhood. At times I have struggled with my relationship with my partner and the group has helped find ways to improve this.
- 2023 Radiance mum
Attending Radiance support group has given me the ability to cope and ask for help when I'm having a bad day.
- 2023 Radiance mum
Mother Baby Nurture got me out of the house. I loved it, wish it was longer, Thankyou Becky and Fran
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
So supportive and really helpful with addressing issues and making Mums feel more normal and accepted.
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture mum
I am extremely grateful for my time at Radiance, they helped me get through the hardest time of my life and gave me the confidence I needed to learn to become a mum.
- 2023 Radiance Mum
The information and discussions each week have been so helpful, I find myself reflecting on them during the week and putting them into practice/ reflecting. I love how helpful and nurturing Becky and Fran are and I really enjoy sitting on the floor and sharing morning tea and I love just spending time with my baby in this environment, Thank you so much! I really do appreciate all the help and support I’ve received in this group - it has been so beneficial and was a much-needed resource. I wouldn’t be where I am now without the help of Mother baby Nurture and Radiance. I feel a lot happier and confident in my parenting skills and ability to cope in tough times. This group has given me additional tools to further draw on when I need them
- 2023 Mother-Baby Nurture and Radiance Mum
Attending Radiance support group has given me the ability to cope and ask for help when I'm having a bad day.
- 2023 Radiance Mum
I received support through my difficult time, I learned that I am not alone. I grew more confident in my parenting. I joined Radiance as I was struggling, felt lonely, lacked confidence in myself and my parenting. Since I joined Radiance, I have developed more confidence in myself and parenting, and more resilience in facing the day-to-day challenges raising my son. Thank you for everything!
- 2023 Radiance Mum
I started going to Radiance meetings after being diagnosed with antenatal depression. Establishing support during pregnancy gave me the confidence to continue attending meetings shortly after giving birth as it provided a safe space for me to visit during a time when leaving home brought on a great deal of anxiety. These weekly meetings have done wonders to my mental health and I’ve been able to form connections with other mothers who attend. I am so thankful for Fran and Tara for all the support they have given me and my new daughter.
- 2022 Radiance Mum
Each week I took away messages and ideas and pondered them, discussed them with my husband and applied them to my own journey. These lessons have framed the way I think about motherhood and my relationship with my new little boy and I have been able to actively implement the relevant strategies in my day to day life. For exampe, using a soft face and voice when my son is upset and I'm trying to regulate both of our emotions. Each week being asked how my previous week was, providing a reflection and an update and comments on what I had mulled over from the previous session provided me with so much clarity and made me feel cared for. I loved the support I received from the other mums and in turn hope I was someone they could look to for a smiling face of reassurance when they shared their highs and lows. It's my goal to keep a journal, of a simple paragraph each week to continue this practice of self reflection and hopefully focus on the positives and continue to live in the moment rather than wish my time away. I started the mother baby nurture sessions with severe anxiety, finding myself tipped over the edge by any small comment or hurdle. Now I enjoy the connection I have with my baby my journey as a new mum.
– 2022 Mother-Baby Nurture Mum
Radiance is an invaluable resource and outreach for new mothers in the south west. There is really
nothing else like the support they provide and the community they create.
– 2022 Radiance Mum
Not only do they provide support in building positive relationships with their babies, but they also
provide a safe space to encourage the development of positive mental health and emotional
wellbeing for their participants. Radiance South West have succeeded in creating a wonderful
supportive and enriching community for their group members.
– Life Launchpad Peer Education Facilitator, Consumers of Mental Health WA (Inc.)
I am so grateful as my daughter is alive because of this amazing organisation and passionate woman. She continues to receive ongoing support by attending the playgroup sessions each week to maintain a balance with her ongoing mental illness. What a wonderful support this group is to supplement the mental health organisations in communities.
– 2022 Mother of a Radiance mum
Thank you. This really saved me when I thought I couldn’t do it anymore.
– 2022 Mother Baby Nurture mum
I am thankful for the confidence this group has given me, and the opportunity it gave me each week
to slow down and focus on my baby which then encouraged me to do this more and more.
– 2022 Mother Baby Nurture mum
Thank you for such an incredible experience and for helping me build my confidence in this new
journey.
– 2022 Mother Baby Nurture mum
It was an amazing group and really helps mothers who need support to form connections.
– 2022 Mother Baby Nurture mum
After having postpartum psychosis after the birth of my first child the Radiance group helped me to
feel accepted. They have been a great support network and created a space to learn valuable skills
and to be happy with who I am.
– 2021 Radiance mum
Radiance gives me a chance to get out of the house once a week with the twins. CJ and Heidi create
a safe and supportive space which makes it easier to turn up weekly. I feel so supported in this group
who have helped me at my lowest. I lacked insight into my current mental state and agreed to
receive the help I needed. I am very thankful for Radiance and unsure how I could have navigated the
past year without them.
– 2021 Radiance mum
I first started my journey with Mother-Baby Nurture Group but after still felt alone and lost. I
reached out to Radiance and since then I have found my village, no matter how bad my week has
been. I can talk about my feelings in a safe non-judgemental environment, also knowing if I am not
up for talking that’s okay also. Between my family and Radiance I know I will be okay and they have
saved my life many times. I am forever grateful.
– 2021 MBN and Radiance mum
Being referred to Radiance was a lifeline for me in a very long first year with the twins. Radiance
was my safe place, I relied on it very much each week. I always left feeling lighter and less alone,
being able to share how I was feeling without guilt. I never liked leaving the house alone with the
boys because I was too scared but bringing them to Radiance each week gradually gave me the
confidence to leave the house more often. I loved being able to take the boys out on my own and still
be able to have something to eat and a hot coffee with some helping hands. Thank you so much
Anne, Janet, CJ and all the ladies at Radiance.
– 2021 Radiance mum and the twins
When I had my baby, I was anxious and didn’t want anything to do with him. I wanted to be a good
Mum, and improve my mental health, but didn’t know how to do that. Now with the help of the
other Mums and Janet and Di, I love coming to group and always look forward to it.
– 2021 Radiance mum
I had just had my baby and was struggling with post-partum depression and anxiety. It was scary
the first time I went to group as it was the first time, I had left the house with my 3-week-old. Now I
enjoy the support and friendship I have from coming to Radiance. My confidence in parenting has
grown and I have made good friends. I can cope with my mental health post-partum much better
now.
– 2021 Radiance mum
I felt numb, distant from my newborn and dreaded every moment of every day. I have found the Radiance support group to be a REAL, non-judgemental mother’s group, that’s not afraid to be honest and talk about the reality of being a parent (the good and the bad). I look forward to it every week and find myself lighter and refreshed after. I finally felt heard, supported, and safe, even understood. I no longer feel lost, Thank you.
– 2021 Radiance mum
I came into the group from the Mother Baby Unit at Fiona Stanley Hospital, it was non-judgemental,
just a group of people with similar life experiences, mothers supporting mothers, the advice is helpful,
and I feel listened to and understood. It’s Iike a weekly check in/reset almost. Getting to share the
burdens, ups and downs which makes them feel more okay. I love the gentle and kind energy of the
group; it feels like just attending is rejuvenating.
– 2021 Radiance mum
I had just come out of the MBU and was struggling emotionally and practically with having twins. I was suffering from postnatal depression and anxiety. I found the group to be very open, but it was overwhelming at first. Now I am a lot more comfortable, everyone belongs and there is no judgement, it is a safe space.
- 2021 Radiance mum
I felt very alone and helpless, and so nervous to attend group. Now I am very happy to come to group and love connecting with the other mums and babies.
– 2021 Radiance mum
Thank you so much for all the support from your wonderful team. It is literally the best thing we
have for our mums and we would be lost without you all.
– 2021, Child Health Nurse
I loved how there was no judgement or solution focus, just listening and supporting.
– 2021 Mother Baby Nurture mum
I liked how structured the group was – so it wasn’t completely social.
– 2021 Mother Baby Nurture mum
I loved coming to a supportive environment where people really engaged and listened to each
other.
– 2021 Mother Baby Nurture mum
I liked how everyone was honest and real about how they were feeling so we knew we were all
going through “it” together.
– 2021 Mother Baby Nurture mum
Created a good network and promoted close friendships within the group along with strengthening
my relationship with my child. We are so grateful to have come.
– 2021 Mother Baby Nurture mum
The group has been a constant safe place to explore and connect.
– 2021 Mother Baby Nurture mum
