The original Elpitha Support Group has been provided in Harlow, Essex, since 2008. The group has proved incredibly successful in helping mothers through their struggle with low mood and depression and we are now working to roll out Elpitha to other areas, beginning with increased provision of Elpitha Support Groups in conjunction with Home-Start Essex.

To find out more about who we are and the principals behind Elpitha, you can read more here. If you would be interested in starting a group, or would like to find out more, please see our Facilitators area. If you are a mother, or family member of a mother in need of help, you can find advice on understanding and caring for depression in our For mums area.

For those mothers with whom we have worked, we have witnessed a real transformation:

• A gradual change in the way they see themselves – from a critical and destructive view to a more accepting and gentle one that contains an element of kindness which, for some mothers, has never been experienced before;
• The development of confidence as new ways of expression were discovered, moving away from being overly passive or aggressive to adopting an assertive way of communication. This has worked towards creating a feeling of self worth and the ability to express their true feelings and thoughts;
• The enjoyment of the little things in life, be it a hot cup of tea, a bird singing, a walk in the park or accepting a compliment that previously was lost due to destructive and negative thoughts;
• An acceptance of themselves as unique human beings – in the words of one mother: “I’m me and that’s okay. I’m not perfect but I do my best and that’s all I can do”