Lifesaving South West service faces closure

May 21, 2025 BY

Local mum Amanda, with baby Billy, said reaching out to Radiance was 'transformative' for her mental and physical health. Picture via Mindful Margaret River.

A lifesaving service for South West mums is facing shutdown, without urgent help to continue supporting families bringing babies into their homes.

Radiance South West – the subject of last week’s Mail front cover for it’s enormous impact on our community – is calling on people to help save its vital Perinatal Outreach Program, after a recent funding submission was unexpectedly rejected leaving the future of the service under serious threat.

Since its 2024 launch, the program has supported over 165 families across Busselton, Bunbury, Collie, Margaret River and surrounding rural communities.

The program provides free, in-home emotional support for new mothers experiencing perinatal anxiety, depression, and isolation.

“Many of the mums we support are in a state of acute distress – struggling with intrusive thoughts, trauma, or unable to leave their homes,” Radiance Manager, Anne Mackay said.

“This program is often their first and only lifeline.”

Anne Mackay (centre) and her Radiance Network have provided essential, lifesaving care to mothers and their babies across the South West.

Unlike clinical services, Radiance’s Outreach team meets mothers where they are, literally and emotionally, helping them to reconnect, stabilise, and begin their recovery journey.

There is no other in-home, non-clinical perinatal mental health service like it in the region.

Recent data from Radiance revealed that 1 in 4 mothers referred to support groups were unable to attend due to the severity of their mental health symptoms, making in-home care critical.

“When I reached out, I was in a desperate state – anxious, overwhelmed, and isolated,” one mother shared.

“I couldn’t make it to group meetings, but the home visits gave me a lifeline. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without this support.”

Radiance is launching a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to keep the program running for the next 12 months while it seeks long-term backing.

“This is not just about funding – it’s about mothers’ lives, babies’ futures, and keeping families connected to care,” Anne Mackay said.

Radiance is a registered charity and has DGR status, so all donations are tax deductible. The campaign can be found at gofund.me/a373d9e8

For sponsorship enquiries or to donate, visit: radiancesouthwest.com/contribute