It began as a small group on social media to bring new mothers with post-natal depression together.

But six months on the demand has been so high from new female parents in the region that founder Naomi Farrow has expanded her group into a fundraising organisation.

The mother-of-three hopes to raise money to pay for the private treatment of East Anglia mothers with post-natal depresssion (PND) as she believes NHS waiting times are too long.

'Mothers with PND have to wait around three months for treatment, and it can be devastating to be told you have to wait that long,' Mrs Farrow, who suffered from PND, said.

'I didn't think I could cope three days let alone three months.'

In a bid to help others, as well as herself, Mrs Farrow set up a Facebook page in November called Get Me Out of The Four Walls, where new mothers shared problems and organised activities.

The group quickly received many new members and Mrs Farrow then set up a support group which meets in Norwich monthly.

With people still flocking to the group, Mrs Farrow decided to set up a voluntary/not-for-profit organisation which aims to raise funds to pay for 6-8 weeks of private treatment for mothers with PND who have been referred by their GP.

'There are 500 people in the group and I now organise up to three activities per week,' Mrs Farrow, of Holt, said.

'I really want to help mothers who are at the end of their tether.'

Mrs Farrow is also planning to set up 'catchment clans' which would see mothers organise events in their own area of the region.

As an extra incentive she is hoping to get offers and discounts from businesses and activity and entertainment companies which will be awarded to those mothers who organise an event for others.

She is hoping for donations to kick-start fundraising, as well as for the production of leaflets and posters to advertise the organisation.

To donate, or if you would like to volunteer for the organisation, or for more general information on Get Me Out of The Four Walls email Mrs Farrow on gmotfw@gmail.com

Have you got a story? Email nicholas.carding@archant.co.uk