Support and resources

Gen is an Obstetric Social Worker and Parent Educator, and the sessions she offers are practical support for the hard everyday stuff. There are times when what you need is something different, and something more. This page is here for those times.

Reaching out early is one of the strongest things a parent can do.

If you need help right now

Lifeline. 13 11 14, any hour of the day or night. You can also text 0477 13 11 14, or chat online.

13YARN. 13 92 76, 24 hours, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who want to yarn with a crisis supporter.

If you or your child are in immediate danger, call 000.

 

Not sure where to start? Start with a good GP

If you're not sure where to go for support, for your child or for yourself, Gen really believes the best place to start is a good local GP.

A good local GP knows who has capacity on their waitlist, which saves you ringing around a list of people who are closed to new patients. They can also help rule out physical problems when things feel really stuck, and in Gen's experience that matters far more often than people expect.

If you don't have a GP you feel comfortable with, it's worth asking around until you find one. It makes a real difference.

 

If you're pregnant, or in the first year

Gidget Foundation Australia. 1300 851 758. Free psychological support for anyone trying to conceive, pregnant, with a baby up to one, or who has been through a pregnancy or baby loss or a traumatic birth. You'll need a mental health treatment plan from your GP to get started.

PANDA. 1300 726 306. Australia's free national perinatal mental health helpline. Monday to Friday 9am to 7.30pm, and Saturdays and public holidays 9am to 4pm.

 

If your own mental health is struggling

Beyond Blue. 1300 22 4636, 24 hours.

And again, your GP. A mental health treatment plan gives you subsidised sessions with a psychologist, and a GP appointment is the fastest way in.

 

If you're worried about safety at home

1800RESPECT. 1800 737 732, 24 hours, for anyone affected by family or domestic violence.

 

For your child

Kids Helpline. 1800 55 1800, 24 hours, free and confidential counselling for young people aged 5 to 25. They can ring themselves.

 

For the everyday parenting stuff

Every state has a free parenting helpline for sleep, feeding, behaviour and the general 4pm chaos. Raising Children Network keeps a current list of all of them at raisingchildren.net.au/grown-ups/services-support/about-services-support/helplines

If you're in New South Wales, Tresillian on 1300 272 736 is open 7am to 11pm every day.