Southend Parent Support Group: Free, Opens Friday 16 Oct

A free peer support group for parents who are finding pregnancy or early parenthood hard opens in Southend this Friday, 16 October. The perinatal mental health charity PANDAS Foundation will run it at The Hangout, 62 London Road, from 10am to midday, and after the launch it will meet every other Friday at the same time.

There is no referral and no waiting list. Babies and children are welcome, and the charity says parents can simply turn up.

Overview

• What: Coffee and Conversation for new parents, a free face-to-face peer support group run by PANDAS Foundation (registered charity 1149485).
• When: launches Friday 16 October, 10am to 12pm, then fortnightly, every other Friday, 10am to 12pm.
• Where: The Hangout, 62 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1PG.
• Who: parents and carers who may be struggling with their mental health, “from conception through to birth and beyond”. Bring your baby or toddler.
• Cost: free.

Why the group is opening

PANDAS, which stands for Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support, describes itself as a UK-wide service for families dealing with mental health problems before and after birth. The charity said of the Southend group:

“We know that many parents experience isolation, overwhelm, anxiety, and reduced support networks during this time, and that accessible community-based support can play an important role in improving parent wellbeing and reducing isolation early on. The group provides a welcoming, non-judgemental space where parents can connect with others, access peer support, and feel part of a supportive local community.”

Its press release says the charity “offers a bridge between the NHS and parents through their peer support”, which is free and has no waiting list. The sessions are led by group facilitators trained and supervised by PANDAS. In Southend that is Becky, whose name is on the poster as host.

The charity’s chief executive, Annie Belasco, said:

“We are incredibly proud and excited to welcome our newest group in Southend to this wonderful charity. We know through the work that we have already carried out in many other areas of the UK, how invaluable our face-to-face support groups are in supporting the local community. I would like to take this opportunity to thank The Julia Rausing Trust, our group facilitator, Becky.”

The release also credits The Balcombe Trust for making the Southend group possible.

What happens at a session

The release describes “a calm community for parents or carers who may be struggling”, and “a safe space for you and your baby or toddler, where you can meet other parents or carers to chat, listen and share your experiences.”

The poster calls it “a relaxed free space to pause, talk and connect with other parents navigating early parenthood”. On its support groups page (checked 14 October 2026), PANDAS lists what a newcomer can expect:

• someone to meet you at the door, and a warm welcome “even if you feel nervous”;
• a hot drink and a comfortable space;
• relaxed conversation while children play;
• no pressure to talk or explain anything;
• you can bring a friend.

The same page has a postcode search for the charity’s other groups, and a button to book a free callback.

What it means for you

If you are pregnant or have a young child and things feel heavier than you expected, this is a group you can walk into on Friday without a GP letter or an assessment. You do not need to have a diagnosis, and you do not have to say anything when you get there. Take the baby.

If you work with families, PANDAS has asked for help getting the word out: sharing it with teams and networks, adding it to family and wellbeing directories, and signposting it through Family Hubs and community services. The poster above is theirs to share.

The launch is 16 October. The charity says the group then meets “fortnightly, every other Friday”, so check the PANDAS groups page or pandasfoundation.org.uk to confirm a date before you travel.