Postnatal depression can often leave new mothers feeling isolated in their distress. Reporter Brendan McFadden met a new group hoping to change that in Cirencester.

MANY women do not realise they have postnatal depression as the 'baby blues' creep up on them, often developing in the first few weeks after giving birth but not taking hold until six months on.

It can be an overwhelming, leaving mums feeling alone as they worry that other people won't understand how they feel.

In Cirencester a support group called Shine!, launched seven weeks ago, provides a place where women can come together for help. It holds free sessions at the Churn Project that allow women to relax, be creative and escape the pressures of motherhood.

At each session, Becky Kimberley, who runs Cotswold Cre8, holds art workshops, while massage therapist Amy Sweet offers treatments, with each activity designed to ease the mums’ anxiety and stress. And often there are many other therapeutic activities taking place such as yoga.

Lauraine Cheesman, founder of Shine!, was once advised by her doctor to attend an art class to help ease her postnatal depression and what she learnt inspired her to set up the group.

She said: “I would go home after the course and still feel relaxed. I would still wake up the next day feeling terrible but it was lovely to have a bit of time for me.”

Lauraine, 44, a teaching assistant at Kemble School, added: “What I have come up against is that there is a taboo in admitting you have postnatal depression. When you have a baby you feel like you should be on top of the world."

Julie Glinn, 41, who has been attending the group since it started, said: “It has been good for me. I actually look forward to it. It allows me to be me for a little bit - I can be me for a couple of hours. We do things that we do not normally do. I have never done before. I have done yoga and that was amazing."

Shine! sessions, which are open to mums and their children and cost £2, are held on Tuesdays between 12.30pm and 2.30pm. Visit facebook.com/shineoncemore or call Lorraine on 07886 570933.