Our history, philosophy, and the COPE team
Our history
Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) was established in August 2013. Following the growth and success of the perinatal program at beyondblue, our history is built upon strong foundations of research and development.
COPE’s conception
COPE was established in response to the growth and success of Australia’s National Perinatal Depression Initiative (NPDI). This led to the growing need for an organisation with a dedicated focus on the specific issues faced by women, men and their families during pregnancy and the year following birth. Further there is a recognised need to reduce the known personal, social and economic costs associated with undiagnosed and untreated perinatal mental health conditions.
Informed by the beyondblue Synopsis Report, COPE is led by our dedicated team, who transitioned from beyondblue in 2013.
COPE continues to work with governments, professional bodies in primary and maternity care, health professionals, NGOs, corporate groups and the community. Together, we will work to reduce the devastating impacts of these emotional and mental health conditions on our mothers, fathers and future generations.
Our philosophy
The perinatal period (the period from conception to the first year following the birth of a baby) is the time in a woman’s life when she is most likely to develop mental health problems.
Perinatal depression alone is currently the leading cause of maternal death in developed countries. The cost of these conditions is significant – from a personal, social, developmental and economic standpoint.
COPE’s philosophy is that all women, men and families should have access to timely and effective screening, management, treatment and care.
COPE is making this possible through:
Providing a national, dedicated focus to perinatal mental health
Developing strong, strategic partnerships
Supporting research to inform the most effective and efficient approaches to treatment and intervention
Investment and an ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for mothers, fathers, infants and future generations.
Our team
