Mental health support for expectant and new parents

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network is supporting expectant, new and recently bereaved parents living across the Murrumbidgee region to access mental health support at Wagga Wagga’s new Gidget House.

A total of $56,250 will provide up to 10 free psychological counselling sessions to eligible parents who have a diagnosis or are at risk of developing perinatal mood or anxiety disorder.

MPHN CEO Melissa Neal said those eligible families are encouraged to reach out for support regardless of where you live in the Murrumbidgee region.

“Supporting maternal mental health was one of nine priorities identified in the Murrumbidgee Maternal and Child Health Strategy launched late last year and I’m pleased we are able to provide this funding to the Gidget Foundation of Australia for these counselling sessions,” Ms Neal said.

“Parents from across the Murrumbidgee region are able to access these services, whether that be in person or over the telephone.

“We know the sooner parents who might be struggling reach out for support, the quicker they can recover.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Riverina, The Hon Michael McCormack MP said he was pleased to be part of a Government which supported important health initiatives and services through its Primary Health Network (PHN) program.

“The Australian Government established PHNs with the key objectives of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients,” Mr McCormack said.

“PHNs are uniquely placed within communities allowing them to understand and design services to address specific health needs.

“This funding for Gidget Foundation Australia demonstrates Murrumbidgee PHN being able to support a service needed within Wagga Wagga and indeed the entire Murrumbidgee region.

“Parenthood can be a challenge for all parents whether you’re experiencing parenthood for the first time, or already have children. It’s okay to seek support and I congratulate MPHN and the Gidget Foundation for bringing these services to parents in the Murrumbidgee.”

Gidget Foundation Australia CEO Arabella Gibson said COVID-19 is impacting on the mental health and wellbeing of new and expectant parents.

“We are so pleased to team up with MPHN to provide comprehensive psychological counselling for expectant and new parents in the region. These services will mean that many more mums and dads will have the support they need during this vulnerable and isolating time in their parenting journey,” Ms Gibson said.

“We are launching Gidget House Wagga Wagga now, rather than waiting for the end of the outbreak, because we are aware of the heightened levels of stress being experienced at present.

“In a survey that we conducted recently, 81% of expectant and new parents admitted to being more anxious since the start of COVID-19. We want expectant and new parents in the Murrumbidgee Region to know that we are here for them, and that we will do whatever we can to support them.”

Gidget House Wagga Wagga is located with Tresillian Family Care Centre at 54 Yentoo Drive, Glenfield Park. For more information and to access this service, visit https://gidgetfoundation.org.au/get-support/gidget-house/

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency should call the Mental Health Line 1800 011 511, Lifeline 13 11 14 or call 000. Or to access the Head to Health website visit www.headtohealth.org.au.