Invitation to Blue Stories Project

Karolina Gorton, local illustrator and designer, approached Perinatal Support Nelson with the idea of the Blue Stories Project: sharing journeys of getting out of perinatal depression (PND).
They decided to collaborate and bring this project to our Community. The project will be on display in Elma Turner Library from Sunday, May 9, until Sunday, May 30.
Karolina says, “It’s very important to talk about perinatal depression, this project gives women the chance to share their journey through it and how they found their way out of it. We are able to empower other people by sharing our stories, but what is more important we might be able to reach to people who may need that help. Now is a good time to raise awareness of Perinatal Depression, as the experience of Covid‐19 has increased tension and the feeling of “being in isolation”, these are the same feelings many mothers experience when entering motherhood.”
Karolina created ten portraits of women, who shared with her their blue stories. Each image contained a story and an encouraging message for the audience to read. The project exhibition will include four audio recordings: two interviews with women who shared their stories of getting out of perinatal depression, an interview with a counsellor who explains the symptoms of perinatal depression and an interview with Harriet Denham, the Clinical Manager at Perinatal Support Nelson.
Perinatal Support Nelson Chairman Duncan Gray says, “At Perinatal Support Nelson , we are a Charity that provides free support and counselling to mothers during and after their pregnancy.
It’s a time when many women feel very vulnerable and an alarming 25% are affected by Perinatal Depression. This issue is not specific to any one culture or social group. Our vision is
that every woman with Perinatal Depression is supported in our community, and we make it our mission to provide that support for women and their whanau in the Nelson and Tasman region.”
Duncan says, “ We hope the exhibition will raise awareness of Perinatal Depression, our Charity and its mission in the Nelson and Tasman community. It will help us to connect with people who may need that support, but also help educate our community to recognise the problem, how to support those with Perinatal Depression and how to access help when they need it.”
Karolina and Duncan are excited that the official opening is going to be on Mother’s Day, May 9, and you are all welcome to join and celebrate it.
The project will also have an online presence with all stories and portraits posted on the project website, www.bluestoriesproject.com. People are invited to send their stories via website, then these will be processed to share on that platform.
Blue Stories Project has received funding from Nelson City Creative Communities Scheme, Tasman District Creative Communities Scheme and Lottery Community grant.

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