The app, built by Utility Creative, in partnership with the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) - Australia's peak body for reducing the impacts of perinatal anxiety and depression - is funded by the Australian Government.
The app includes tailored, weekly insights and information developed by a perinatal clinical psychologist, about what to expect, and how to cope with the changes that come with each week.
Importantly the app also has a self-check tool, using approved clinical scales, so parents can monitor signs and symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression over time. The app provides parents with access to further information and support services if needed, via the e-COPE directory – a free, national online directory of local perinatal mental healthcare providers and community support services.
Ready to COPE has been backed by 630+ perinatal health services in Australia, recommending the app to their patients as a trusted source of information and way of accessing support, as part of a national health promotion campaign delivered by our partner agency Convenience Advertising, specialists in public health messaging.
At Northern Health, for example, Nicole Carlon, Divisional Director Operations, Nursing, Women’s and Children’s says the app is a trustworthy tool they feel confident recommending to their patients.
- Nicole Carlon, Divisional Director Operations, Nursing, Women’s & Children’s, Northern Health
More than 100,000 Australians experience perinatal anxiety and depression each year. With an increase in the incidence and severity of perinatal mental health conditions during and since the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to ensure new and expectant parents have access to tools like this.
A recent survey of app users found that 85% said that content helped them feel more prepared for the mental health challenges faced in the first year, and of those that sought external mental health support, almost two thirds (68%) said the app played an important role in their decision to seek help.
With continuous positive feedback from both health professionals and parents, Utility Creative is proud to have developed an app that has become a valuable mental health and wellbeing support tool for thousands of parents across the country.