THE future for local mothers battling post-natal depression is now brighter following the announcement the Perinatal Emotional Health Program will continue running in Wodonga. The 15-year-old program that helps over 100 north-east Victorian mothers struggling with post-natal depression and anxiety was in jeopardy after federal funding was pulled earlier this year, and the Victorian Government could only commit funds until December 2015. The State Government will now commit 50 per cent of ongoing costs needed to keep the programs doors open, while Albury Wodonga Health will fund the remainder internally substantiating from existing services. The announcement comes as Albury Wodonga Health officially opened its new Parent and Baby Unit on Friday morning. The $736,000 new building in Wodongas Benson Street has been funded by a Victorian Rural capital Support Fund Grant. The building will replace the former service running from a house near Wodonga Hospital. The Parents and Babies Service offers a range of early parenting services and support to families with infants through to nine-months-old in the area including sleep and setline, breast feeding, infant nutrition and care, and psychological support for mothers. The service supports around 225 parents and their babies each month. The service has also teamed up with Tresillian which will enable an extension of the programs and services offered including Early Intervention Outreach Home Visiting supporting and guiding parents in the transition to parenthood in their home. Tresillian is the largest early parenting organisation in Australia, providing specialist child and family health services, support and advice to families in NSW since 1918. The building was officially opened by Northern Victoria Region MP Jaclyn Symes, who told the crowd she had utilised perinatal services following the birth of her children. Being a new parent is such an exciting time for families, but it can also be very daunting, Ms Symes said. Its perfectly understandable that parents need some extra support sometimes, and these services are here to help.