New Health Service in Wagga Wagga: Free Perinatal Mental Health Support for New Parents

Expectant and new parents experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) can now access GP-referred, free psychological counselling sessions at Gidget House Wagga Wagga, which officially opened at the Tresillian in Murrumbidgee Family Care Centre, 54 Yentoo Drive, Wagga Wagga, on Tuesday 21st July 2020 at 10.30am.

The new Gidget House, which offers free counselling services by appointment, and employs local psychologists, was opened by Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW, Industry & Trade, the Hon John Barilaro MP, and Minister for Mental Health, Women and Regional Youth, the Hon Bronnie Taylor MLC.

Gidget House Wagga Wagga joins its NSW regional sister-services at Tresillian family centres in Dubbo, Coffs Harbour, Taree and Queanbeyan. Other Gidget House services are located in North Sydney, Manly at Royal Far West, Merrylands at Stockland, Randwick at Karitane, North Sydney at the Mater Hospital and St Leonards at North Shore Private Hospital. The Foundation have recently launched Gidget Houses in Toowoomba at St Vincent’s Hospital (QLD) and Clayton at Jean Hailes (VIC).

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said that Gidget House is a wonderful and valuable service for local families in Wagga Wagga and surrounds.

“As a father of three daughters, I know first-hand how important it is to have access to a place like Gidget House for new parents and young families,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Everyone’s parenting journey is different, but it is critical that young mums and dads have access to help when they need it. That is why the NSW Government has backed Gidget Foundation Australia with significant funding and I want to thank and congratulate the Foundation on the amazing work they do,” he said.

Minister for Mental Health & Women, the Hon. Bronnie Taylor MLC, said there can be no doubt that babies are a blessing, but when a baby arrives it can also be one of the most challenging times in a mother’s life.

“Sometimes we can forget that it can be a stressful, lonely and overwhelming time caring for a newborn. I acknowledge the wonderful staff from the Gidget centres; they are passionate about helping families in their hour of need and I’m proud to be part of a government that supports Gidget Foundation Australia,” she said.

Pregnancy brings joy along with challenges. Gidget Foundation Australia and Tresillian recognise the importance of emotional wellbeing for new parents, and the need to provide them with support and services.

Robert Mills, CEO of Tresillian, said “This program perfectly complements the work of our specialist staff at the Tresillian in Murrumbidgee Family Care Centre. The service, which operates through a partnership with Murrumbidgee Local Health District, assists parents with their baby or toddler when experiencing early parenting difficulties such as an unsettled baby, breastfeeding, toddler behaviour challenges and feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. The presence of a Gidget psychologist will deliver practical help and support to parents living in the Wagga Wagga community and its surrounds and, as a free service, will be available to all families, regardless of income.