Gidget Village Group Programs

About the program

Gidget Virtual Village Facebook groups

The Gidget Village Group Programs provide a safe and confidential space for expectant and new parents to work through common issues, encourage and support others who may be facing similar difficulties. All groups are online, free of charge and are facilitated by Gidget Foundation Australia perinatal mental health specialist clinicians.

Benefits of our group programs:

Support with the challenges of parenting and relationship changes that occur when a new baby is added to the family
Opportunities to connect with other expectant and new parents
A safe place to share feelings and fears without judgement
Provides a compassionate and accepting space to practice new skills and coping strategies.

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Gidget Village Group Programs

Gidget Village - Motherhood and Belonging

Offering online, weekly two-hour sessions over eight weeks. Each session has specific themes helping new parents manage symptoms associated with perinatal depression and anxiety using evidence-based therapy. The program also includes two sessions to which mums and partners/or a support person are invited to attend together.

Topics covered:

Myths/facts of motherhood
Stress, sleep & relaxation
Connections with others, communication and attachment
Parenting styles, including Circle of Security
Mindfulness
New roles as parents, relationship changes, role of partners, family of origin, communication and connection (all covered during the two sessions with partners)

Gidget Village – Expecting and Connecting

‍Offering online, weekly two-hour sessions over five weeks. This group is for expectant Mums.

Online, weekly two-hour sessions over five weeks. This group is for expectant Mums.

Topics covered:

Myths/Facts of motherhood
Expectations, preparing for birth and after
Coping with unmet expectations
Connection: Forging identity as a mother
Changing couple/intimate relationship
Mindfulness

Gidget Village – Parenting in Partnership

Offering online, weekly two-hour sessions over six weeks for Dads.

Topics covered:

Hopes and fears around becoming a new parent (or parent again)
Support strategies at this time of adjustment
Awareness of the impact a baby will have on the family system
Awareness of the impact a new family member will have on the couple’s relationship
Causes of stress in ourselves
Managing relationship discord

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How to participate

How do I participate in the Gidget Village Group Program?

Gidget Village - Motherhood and Belonging

Have a baby less than 12 months of age
Currently diagnosed with PNDA or previously diagnosed with PNDA
Be assessed by a Gidget Foundation Australia Clinician to be clinically suitable to participate within a group program
Be able to attend all eight sessions, including the two partner sessions
Have a reliable internet access & willingness to participate in the group via Zoom.

Gidget Village - Expecting and Connecting

Currently pregnant and less than 32 weeks at the start date of the group
Currently diagnosed with PNDA or previously diagnosed with PNDA
Be assessed by a Gidget Village facilitator to be clinically suitable to join the group
Able to commit to attending all five sessions
Have a reliable internet access & willingness to participate in the group via Zoom.

Gidget Village - Parenting in Partnership

Partner expecting a baby or have a baby less than 12 months of age
Either parent have a diagnosis of PNDA or previously diagnosed with PNDA
Able to commit to attending all sessions
Be assessed by a Gidget Village facilitator to be clinically suitable to join the group
Be able to attend all six sessions
Have reliable internet access and a willingness to participate in the group via telehealth Zoom.

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Upcoming Gidget Village Groups

Term 1 2024

Gidget Village Parenting in Partnership commences on 12 February, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (AEDT)

Gidget Village Expecting & Connecting commences on 13 February, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (AEDT)

Term 2 2024

Gidget Village Parenting in Partnership commences on 29 April, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (AEST)

Gidget Village Motherhood and Belonging commences on 2 May, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (AEST)

Term 3 2024

Gidget Village Parenting in Partnership commences on 5 August, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (AEST)

Gidget Village Expecting & Connecting - start date to be confirmed

Term 4 2024

Gidget Village Parenting in Partnership commences on 21 October, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (AEDT)

Gidget Village Motherhood and Belonging - start date to be confirmed

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If you are interested in joining a Gidget Village group, please contact us via contact@gidgetvillage.org.au

Click here to download more information.

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Testimonials

Gidget Village - Motherhood and Belonging
"Everyone was brilliant – both facilitators and the participants and I feel very grateful to have been a part of this group."

Gidget Village - Expecting and Connecting
"Overall, I was very glad to be part of the group and it did help a lot to meet (over video anyway) other pregnant women going through similar stages."