Gidget House will offer perinatal mental health support in Murray Bridge
By 2026 local parents will have a place to go for free perinatal mental health support.
New and expecting parents in Murray Bridge will soon have access to free mental health support, setting them up for a healthier and more stable future.
A new perinatal mental health centre, Gidget House, will be up and running in Murray Bridge by 2026.
The centre will offer personalised mental health support for local families during the vital perinatal period from pregnancy through to a baby’s first birthday.
This is a time when up to one in five women and one in 10 men experience anxiety and/or depression.
The government-funded centres will help meet local demand for mental health care and provide psychological services, with no out-of-pocket costs.
Parents will need a referral from a GP and a mental health care plan.
Senator Marielle Smith said every family knew that having a baby was a magical moment, but it could also be really tough.
"Too many mums and dads are struggling with their mental health during this time, suffering in silence," she said.
"This clinic in Murray Bridge will make a difference for them and their families.
"It’s a crucial investment that I welcome wholeheartedly.
"I thank the (federal Health and Aged Care) Minister for recognising the need for, and importance of this investment to Murray Bridge.”
Perinatal anxiety and depression are all too common
The centres will be operated by Gidget Foundation Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that supports the emotional wellbeing of expecting and new parents.
CEO Arabella Gibson said perinatal depression and anxiety impacted 100,000 Australian parents each year.
“The establishment of Gidget Houses in South Australia will provide much-needed specialist support for local parents,” she said.
"These local services will ensure potential, expectant and new parents in South
Australia can access help when they need it most.
“We’re delighted to be able to bring our face-to-face specialist perinatal counselling to South Australian parents.”
A facility will also be established in Elizabeth.
The federal government has provided more than $26 million to establish a network of centres around the country, which will help more than 2800 parents each year.
- Get help: Talk to your GP; find a local mental health service that suits you at murraymallee.servicesdirectory.org.au; call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636; or, in an emergency, call 000.
