A new support service for those experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) has opened in Point Cook.
On 22 October, Gidget House was opened at the Point Cook Town Centre and will offer free GP-referred, specialist counselling to expectant, new and potential parents during their journeys.
Run by the Gidget Foundation Australia, the Point Cook location is one of four new centres in Australia, which now total at 39 across the country.
The organisation has supported more than 1500 patients with more than 8500 appointments.
This service will provide a blend of bulk billed face-to-face and telehealth sessions.
Gidget Foundation Australia chief executive Arabella Gibson says the official opening marks a step to addressing a misunderstood issue in one of Australia’s fastest growing regions.
“Gidget Foundation Australia is seeing a continuing and growing demand for our services, with a 40 per cent increase in appointments delivered per annum and 34 per cent increase in clients supported,” she said.
Ms Gibson said there were approximately 100,000 parents experiencing PNDA annually in Australia and barriers to people accessing help need to be reduced.
“As part of our commitment to supporting the mental health of expectant, new and potential parents across the country, the opening of Gidget House Point Cook breaks down barriers to access services, ensuring parents feel connected and understood.”
Gidget House Point Cook is one of nine locations across Australia that has been in partnership with Stockland, the group that runs the Point Cook Town Centre.
Stockland investment manager Bao Letran said the collaboration between Gidget Foundation Australia and Stockland will provide valuable support to young families in the Wyndham area.
“We are delighted to partner with Gidget Foundation Australia to provide a dedicated space for this important perinatal mental health service,” he said.
“Stockland Point Cook shopping centre is a hub for the community and supporting their health and wellbeing is a top priority for us.
“The opening of Gidget House will increase the community’s access to services and raise awareness of the support available to parents struggling with perinatal depression and anxiety.”
Details: gidgetfoundation.org.au.
