Elpitha began as a collaboration between the Home-Start charity in Harlow, Essex, and two health visitors, Helen Elia and Pat Alexander, who all wanted, in a small way, to reach out to those mothers who struggle with low mood and depression.

Drawing on their extensive experience working with mothers, and qualifications in counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and compassionate CBT, Helen and Pat designed a course to equip facilitators with the skills and materials to run an Elpitha Support Group. Written with care, sensitivity and a deep understanding of the needs and problems of mums, the Elpitha Handbook was created as the foundation of the Elpitha Course.

The response of the first group of mums in the Harlow Elpitha Support Group was inspiring, and proved that the Elpitha approach was able to slowly help lift mothers out of the prison of depression. Pat and Helen are now committed to ensuring that mothers across the country are able to benefit from the support, guidance and self-help strategies offered by Elpitha Support Groups. To that end, this site has been developed to disseminate the Elpitha Handbook and provide a hub for future Elpitha courses and support groups. Please explore the site to find out more.