For the past four years, Amanda has been a steady support at Gidget House North Sydney, walking alongside mums, dads and their little ones through one of the most vulnerable and transformative moments of their lives. 

“Even if only one person comes for care, their emotional wellbeing ripples across the whole family."

Amanda understands that becoming a parent doesn’t just change you–it shifts every relationship around you. From the couple dynamic, to the parent-infant bond, from older siblings to even the family pet, every part of the system changes. That’s why she values the organisation’s family-centred approach.

“I love that at we offer counselling sessions for both birthing and non-birthing parents, as well as groups to build community and connection. Because when one person becomes a parent, the whole family is impacted–and we hold space for all of it.”

Amanda firmly believes early, holistic support during the perinatal period can shape a person’s mental health–and their child’s–for life. 

“This stage of life can one of the most significant and formative. We know from research timely, compassionate care during these early years will set parents and children up for lifelong wellbeing.”

Some of Amanda’s most rewarding experiences have come from supporting families across multiple pregnancies and births, and watching their confidence grow over time.

“I remember one mum who came to see me so overwhelmed and low at the beginning and two years, and two babies later, I saw her grow in love and confidence as a mum–it was beautiful!” 

Although Amanda works mainly in-person at Gidget House, she knows how critical Gidget Foundation Australia’s Start Talking telehealth program is for many families across Australia.  

“When you’re already exhausted, and sleep deprived, making it to an appointment can feel impossible. That’s when telehealth can be a wonderful option.”

The Start Talking telehealth program offers free, Medicare-rebated video sessions that deliver the same high standard of care, without the added stress of travel. It’s especially vital for regional parents living hours from the nearest service, but also for so many parents who are simply too exhausted or overwhelmed to leave the house.

And the demand continues to grow. In 2021 alone, Start Talking appointments increased by 74%, with nearly 70% of clients choosing this mode of delivery over in-person care.

On why these services need the generous support of donors, Amanda said this: 

“The 0-5 years are the most vulnerable period of a parent’s mental health. Without an affordable service like Gidget Foundation Australia, I feel so many families and their children would fall through the cracks of our health system.”