As I reflect on my journey, I'm reminded of the incredible transformations that life can bring when we embrace change and seek out new challenges. My path wasn't conventional, but it was filled with moments that shaped me into who I am today - a firm believer in the power of community and mental health advocacy.

My story took an unexpected turn when, after years of studying human brain activity at Brock University, I found myself longing for a different challenge. Juggling academia, a career, and the joys of parenthood, I made a pivotal decision - to pursue a Master's in Applied Health Science while my children were young.

Amidst academic rigor, there was a beacon of support and creating my village - Life With a Baby. Volunteering with LWAB became a cornerstone of my mental health journey. Hosting events wasn't just about social gatherings; it became a lifeline, fostering friendships and connections when I felt isolated during maternity leave. It encouraged me to step out, creating moments that uplifted my mental well-being.

The friendships I formed through LWAB helped my perinatal anxiety I was experiencing, and have become a collection of beautiful lifelong memories of the connections we shared. I hope others remember our events as fondly.

As my academic pursuits intertwined with my career at Brock University, my connection to LWAB remained unwavering. This connection laid the groundwork for a profound realization - the dire need for mental health support among parents.

This year marks a milestone for LWAB - a dedicated focus on nurturing parents' mental health through free mental health therapy. It's a testament to our commitment to creating a supportive community where mental health challenges are met with empathy and professional care.

Moreover, we're developing a peer matching program, an initiative close to my heart. This program seeks to foster connections among parents, providing a safe space for shared experiences, mutual support, and the strength found in empathetic understanding. It's an opportunity to create a network where no parent feels alone in their mental health journey.

My personal evolution from a Social Event Host, to Community Manager, to the part-time Foundation Manager at LWAB isn't just a professional progression; it's a manifestation of my unwavering dedication to supporting mothers experiencing mental health challenges. Volunteering with LWAB didn't just enlighten me about mental health; it ignited a passion, a calling to walk alongside parents, offering guidance, empathy, and unwavering support.

Join us in this transformative journey. Let's create a community where mental health challenges are met with understanding, compassion, and collective strength. Together, we'll continue to evolve, uplift, and empower each other.

Warmly,

Allison Flynn-Bowman

Foundation Manager, Life With A Baby, a program of Healthy Start, Healthy Future