With over one in ten (11 per cent) parents in regional NSW revealing they have struggled with perinatal mental health symptoms and not sought support, a new service officially opens for parents experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA).
Parents in the New England can now access GP-referred, free specialist perinatal counselling sessions at Gidget House Armidale at Tresillian Family Care Centre.
CEO of Gidget Foundation Australia, Arabella Gibson, says the expansion of face-to-face services in the New England North West region will provide crucial support for parents struggling to overcome barriers to accessing care.
“We know that parents already face barriers accessing care for perinatal mental health challenges, due to stigma, as well as the availability and affordability of mental health care. However, we sadly see these challenges intensified for parents in regional and remote areas, such as in New England North West, who have historically faced high travel expenses or time commitments to access face-to-face care.” said Ms Gibson.
“As part of our valued commitment to supporting the emotional wellbeing of potential, expectant and new parents across the country, we’re hopeful our expansion in the New England North West region will provide a safe space for open conversations with specialist perinatal clinicians in the heart of the community.”
To support parents struggling with early parenthood, the new service offers face-to-face and telehealth counselling and is the first Gidget House to officially open in the New England North West region, building upon Gidget Foundation Australia’s commitment to expanding their services across regional New South Wales.
As the first of its kind in New England, the service is a part of a national network of 32 locations, dedicated to ensuring parents across Australia have access to vital mental health services during one of life’s most challenging times.
With approximately 100,000 parents experiencing PNDA annually in Australia, one in five mothers and one in ten fathers are impacted by PNDA, underscoring the need for continued development of support across the country.
“This fantastic new service in Armidale will provide the care and support that local parents and families need.” said Peter Primrose MLC.
““It is a priority for the New South Wales Government to ensure that potential, expectant and new parents across the state, including in remote and regional areas, have access to free and specialist care through organisations like Gidget Foundation Australia.”
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