Pandas Lanarkshire Peer Support Group

13/03/2026

We have lots of resources available online that are free to download….. https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/how-we-can-support-you/resources/

08/03/2026

Today we celebrate International Women’s Day

Today, on International Women’s Day, we want to honour and pay tribute to every woman who has been brave enough to reach out for help and support.

As women, society often teaches us to carry so much....and we are expected to carry more than ever before: in our jobs, at home, as parents, sisters, wives, friends and colleagues.

When we struggle with our mental health, it can feel incredibly hard to reach out and ask for support. But doing so is brave — and sometimes it is exactly what we need.

Today we are sending love to every woman who may be struggling right now, and a reminder that you are not alone. We are here for you ❤️

07/03/2026

WhatsApp, weekly support call, groups, Pandas offer lots of choices that align with how you want to communicate 👏

No matter what you're facing, you don’t have to go through it alone. We have a wide range of support services ready to listen, guide, and help you every step of the way.

We exist for everyone struggling in their perinatal mental health...from conception through to birth & beyond ❤️

To use the WhatsApp service simply message 07903 508334 and you will be connected to one of our trained PANDAS volunteers. It is free and confidential for users of this service and is open from 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday (closed on bank holidays).

Our bookable call back service allows you to book a slot and arrange to speak to one of our trained PANDAS volunteers at a time that is suitable and convenient for you.

Our online Zoom support call which takes place twice a week, is for parents and carers who may need a little extra support in these hard times. You can jump on and leave at any time that suits you.

We've designed in-person ‘group support’ for parents and carers, specifically tailored around your mental health.

Details of all our services can be find using the link in the first comment below.

Lots of love ❤️❤️

[ID - "A square graphic with a soft teal background. At the top, large white text reads “SUPPORT SERVICES”, with smaller white text underneath saying “For ALL parents and carers at ALL stages.” In the centre is a simple illustrated umbrella in pastel shades of teal, peach and orange, with the word “PANDAS” written below it in light teal. Curved arrows surround the umbrella, each pointing inward and labelled with a different service in dark green text: “WhatsApp” at the top left, “Weekly Support Call” at the top right, “Callback Service” at the bottom left, and “Face-to-face Support” at the bottom right. The overall design is clean and calming, with the umbrella symbolising protection and support.".]

03/03/2026

US here at Pandas. We hold the mums (and dads) ❤️ At Pandas Lanarkshire we hope to build a community of parents who will hold each other ❤️

🥰A Little Message...🥰

03/03/2026

have an amazing online sleep workshop on offer for any dads finding getting little ones to sleep a challenge. Head over to their page and get booked in. Sleep is extremely important for everyone’s mental health 💤

Struggling to switch off at the end of the day?
If evenings feel chaotic and getting your little one to sleep is a challenge, our online sleep workshop can help. We’ll share simple, practical tips to build a smoother bedtime routine and boost your confidence- all in a relaxed, supportive space for dads.
A better night’s sleep could be closer than you think💙💤
Sign up here and join us online! https://dadsrock.beaconforms.com/form/c89ee496

01/03/2026

Zoom call tomorrow at 10am for anyone needing support

Joining our PANDAS Zoom support call means you don’t have to carry your perinatal mental health struggles alone. ❤️

It’s a safe, confidential space to be heard, feel understood, and connect with others who get it. It's for parents to talk, connect and get advice with our lovely trained volunteers and with other parents and carers too.

There's no pressure and no judgement. Just real support, real stories, and gentle reassurance that you’re not alone.

The group happens on Zoom every Monday morning between 10.00-11.30 and every Thursday, between 20.00-22.00 (please note this does not include bank holidays)

To register, please visit the link in the first comment below.

[ID - Text reads: "Join our weekly Zoom Support Call. Mondays10am-11.30am. Thursdays 8pm-10pm"]

23/02/2026

Check in on those around you who have recently had a baby.......

Many people experiencing postnatal depression, anxiety, or birth trauma feel unable to speak up. They worry about being judged, about not being believed, or about having their baby taken away (this is extremely rare and only happens if there's serious risk).

So they smile through it. They say "I'm fine" when asked. They suffer alone.

If someone in your life has recently had a baby or is pregnant, please check in with them - really check in. Not just "how's the baby?" but "how are YOU doing? Really?"

Create space for honesty. Listen without judgment. Believe them if they share something difficult and gently encourage them to seek support if they need it.

Sometimes, just knowing that someone sees them and cares can be the lifeline they need.
Let's break the silence around perinatal mental health together. ❤️

For a full list of our free support services, please see the link in the first comment below

[ID - Text reads "Your partner. Your friend. Your sister. Your colleague. Someone close to you might be silently struggling with their perinatal mental health right now".]

21/02/2026

Need to talk? Book a call back from a trained volunteer…. They are there to listen from Monday to Friday 9-5pm.

Sometimes, talking it through makes all the difference. Our free callback support service is here for you.
If you’d find it easier for someone to call you, you can book a time that works.

- Available 9am to 5pm, Monday - Friday
- One of our trained PANDAS volunteers will call you at your chosen time
- Appointments are released based on volunteer availability

You don’t have to explain everything perfectly. You just have to show up and we’ll meet you there.

To book, please visit the link in the first comment below.

[ID - Text reads: "Callback Service. Speak to one of our trained PANDAS volunteers at a time that is suitable and convenient for you."]

17/02/2026

While we plan for our group opening, have a look at others ways PANDAS can support you ❤️ if you are struggling, ask for help ❤️ PANDAS services are free and confidential

If this sounds familiar, we want you to know something important: struggling doesn't make you a bad parent. It makes you human.

The transition to parenthood can be one of the most overwhelming experiences of your life. The sleepless nights, the physical recovery, the hormone shifts, the identity change, it's a lot. And sometimes, it becomes too much.

You might feel anxious, tearful, numb, or scared. You might have thoughts that frighten you. You might feel like you're failing when everyone else seems to be coping just fine. But here's the truth: many people are quietly struggling too.

What you're going through is valid, and it doesn't mean you love your baby any less. It means you need support and that support exists.

Please don't wait until things feel impossible. Reach out now. Talk to someone you trust, contact your health visitor, or get in touch with us. Early support can make all the difference.

You're doing better than you think. And you don't have to do this alone.

[ID - Text reads: ""I thought I'd be over the moon. Instead, I just feel...empty."]

14/02/2026

Are you currently pregnant or have a wee one under 3 and facing challenges? Crossreach Bluebell currently has some counselling sessions available for FREE. Scan the QR code to find out more

12/02/2026

If you need urgent help....
If you need urgent help or are worried about a loved one, you can call The Samaritans on 116 123, or for emergency services, call 999.

11/02/2026

This is your reminder:

You don’t need to hit rock bottom.
You don’t need a diagnosis.
You don’t need permission.
You don’t need to prove you’re struggling “enough”.

If something doesn’t feel right, that’s reason enough! It's easy to continually dismiss our feelings, so we are encouraging the use of our mood tracker for anyone before, during or after having a baby to track their mood particularly if they are aware of changes.

If you notice your mood has worsened, progressed, or persistently feels low, over a calendar month, and would like to talk to someone about this, you can contact PANDAS Foundation.

If you feel that you need medical support going forwards, use this tracker to easily articulate, evidence and illustrate the pattern of your mental health and how this has escalated.

To download the mood tracker please see the link in the first comment below.

[ID - Text reads: "If you’re waiting to feel 'bad enough' to ask for help…"]