Blue Stories Project - Canterbury

The Blue Stories Project: sharing journeys out of perinatal depression

In 2021, the Blue Stories Project was initiated in Whakatū Nelson by illustrator and designer, Karolina Gorton, and Perinatal Support Nelson, as an exhibition of portraits alongside inspiring and encouraging stories. In 2022, the Project is expanding its reach nationwide. Stories from Cantabrians and original artwork created by Karolina will be exhibited in Christchurch from September to November. You are invited to come along and connect with inspiring locals as they share the stories that so often remain untold. This exhibition has been created in collaboration with Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury. Find out more, hear audio interviews and read a selection of Blue Stories online at www.bluestoriesproject.com.

-24 September, 1pm: Official exhibition opening in the Sydenham Room, South Library (all welcome). Guest speakers and afternoon tea provided.
-24 September - 21 October: South Library exhibition
-10 October - 6 November: Tūranga digital exhibition

“Perinatal depression is a hidden illness and we need to bring it into the light.” - Erin Manning, Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury

“... a deeply moving and profound project...” - Rachel Sanson, Nelson City Councillor

“The PND project display stopped me in my tracks today. Ka rawe! Good to see PND in the spotlight, from first person perspective.” - Rosamund Feeney, Community Programme Coordinator

Kaupapa
The Blue Stories Project supports activities that encourage rerekē mō te pai (change for the better) and te kotahitanga i roto i te kanorautanga (unity in diversity). This is a project that creates a culture of supporting ALL women and their families. It educates communities and normalises the topic of perinatal depression.

Ngā mihi nui
The Blue Stories Project has been created in conjunction with Perinatal Support Nelson and Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa (PADA) and with support from the National Lottery Community Grants scheme. These seven organisations are involved in the project: Well Women Franklin, Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury, Maternal Mental Wellbeing Marlborough, Central Lakes Family Services, True Colours - Honouring the Mother and Little Shadow.

What’s next?
During Aotearoa New Zealand’s Mental Health Awareness Week, the Blue Stories Project is launching a nationwide poster campaign to promote awareness of perinatal depression. Look out for our posters on a bollard near you!

South Library (24 Sept - 21 Oct)
66 Colombo Street
Christchurch 8022
Opening hours: 9am-7pm Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat-Sun

Tūranga (10 Oct - 6 Nov)
60 Cathedral Square
Christchurch 8011
Opening hours: 8am-8pm Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat-Sun