Dr Simone Honikman : Perinatal Mental Health Project

Come and listen to Dr Simone Honikman of the Perinatal Mental Health Project talk about her work with young mothers in the communities around Cape Town.

Date: Saturday 7 March 2009
Time: 10.00 am
Venue: Novotel Toronto North York Hotel, 3 Park Home Avenue (off Yonge Street)
Visit www.novotelnorthyork.com for directions.
Price: $25 per person (Cheques made out to "UCT Foundation")
Contact: Diane Stafford 416 637 7981

The Perinatal Mental Health Project (PMHP) addresses the crucial public health problem of mental distress among women living in adversity in South Africa. More than 1 in 3 women in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, experience postnatal depression. Mental health care is a neglected area – even more so in "healthy" pregnant and postnatal women. The focus on the physical to the detriment of the emotional is particularly felt now against the backdrop of HIV and AIDS. The public health service has been unable to address the mental health needs of women from poorer communities - neither within maternity services nor within mental health services. This is despite a wide body of evidence showing that distress in the mother may have long-lasting physical, cognitive and emotional effects on her children.

Dr Honikman will be in Toronto to present two papers at the conference entitled, "Expanding our Horizons: Moving Mental Health and Wellness Promotion in to the Mainstream" .

Through the PMHP, operating from the Mowbray Maternity Hospital since 2002, to date almost 6000 pregnant women have had access to mental health care, free of charge. The alumni breakfast will present the opportunity for Dr Honikman to discuss the advances made within the PMHP over the past few years. Describing her work with empathy and compassion, Dr Honkiman presents a very compelling case in support of her work.

We look forward to seeing you there!
Kind regards

Di Stafford
Regional Director: Alumni Relations & Development
University of Cape Town Foundation (Canada)
Email:distafford@uctfoundation.ca

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