The Dorset Echo has started a brand new weekly column, giving councillors the opportunity to talk about the issues they care about and what's great in their community. Here is a contribution from Cllr Tia Roos, who represents the Melcombe Regis ward.

Before I became a Councillor I had gone through Post Natal Depression. It’s not something I have discussed in a public way, but it’s something very common and it needs to be talked about more. My son had colic and that combined with many other difficulties going on around me, I found it hard to feel connected in my community, I felt alone with my struggles as a mum, I was depressed. I discovered on my journey that the children’s centre has been moved away from the town centre, and there are no longer any support groups for mum’s in Melcombe Regis or even Weymouth and Portland at all. I finished therapy and felt stranded. So, one main aim I have had for a while is to set up a very relaxed, non-judgmental, safe place, support group for mum’s (with or without their kid/s). Through many avenues explored in my councillor role, eventually after 3 years of investigating, The Lantern Trust has given me space to start a group.

Through the Lantern’s new Community Hub, I have a space where Mum’s older, younger, experienced, new, working, staying at home, whatever their diverse and varied background can come along and just “be”. Professionals often expect mum’s to instantly connect because they’re mum’s or because they are women, but this is about more than that, this is about being able to talk about any topic, having some social time with no expectations. If mum’s want help with housing, debt, or any area of need, we will try and find the services to help. We also have second hand toddler and baby items that mum’s can just take.

For some people motherhood is amazing and easy and for some it’s not so plain sailing. Whatever it means to you, for any mum who has managed to get up today and function. I salute you.

Mother Hubbard’s runs every other Wednesday, from 10am-12pm, 1 Queens Street. You only have to turn up. Next Group is January 9.

Are you a councillor? If you would like to contribute, email your column to newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk

We have also started a 'Prime Minister for a day' column, where our readers tell us what they would do if they were running the country. To contribute to this, email newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk

Please keep any contributions to 320-350 words.