«A glimmer of hope»
For Giving Tuesday on 1 December, our candle campaign is back: during Advent, we send a candle and a personal card to every mother and father in Switzerland who is being treated in a parent-and-baby unit for a perinatal mental health condition. Our message: we’re thinking of you. You are not alone. Last year, 144 of these greetings went out across Switzerland.
Donate and write a wishHow it all began
Eight years ago, after the birth of her second child, our Managing Director Annika experienced depression and an anxiety disorder. She spent Advent with her daughter in the parent-and-baby unit at Affoltern Hospital. To give her courage, her mother sent her a homemade Advent wreath. “During those dark weeks, it was my glimmer of light. It gave me hope that brighter days would come,” says Annika.
New: your wish for the parents
This year, we invite you to write with us. When you donate, leave a wish, a few words of encouragement or a thought in the comment field. Every message we receive by 6 December will be written by hand – anonymously – on one of the cards.
It can happen to any family
When a child is born, everyone expects joy. But for some parents, this time becomes very dark. Up to one in five mothers and one in ten fathers experience a mental health crisis around birth – perhaps someone close to you, too. Often their distress goes unspoken for a long time, because they feel ashamed and don’t dare to talk about it, or because no one recognises what is happening to them. Yet no one is to blame, and help is available. More families have turned to us this year than ever before.
What you make possible
Your donation brings a light to mothers and fathers in parent-and-baby units during Advent. Your wish gives them words of encouragement. Anything raised beyond that supports families all year round: parents in crisis find a listening ear at Periparto, personal counselling, a mentor or a support group with people who know how it feels. Free of charge, and whenever they need it. So that no one has to go through this time alone.
Thank you for bringing light to these families!
Donate and write a wishShare the light
Do you know someone who might care about this campaign? Pass it on – every extra card can mean a great deal to a mother or father.
