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Gidget Village Group Programs
The Gidget Village connects expectant mums and dads in safe and confidential groups. They are facilitated by experienced perinatal mental health clinicians.
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About the program
Gidget Virtual Village Facebook groups
Gidget Virtual Village Facebook groups
No GP referral or mental health treatment plan required
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.
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
How to participate
Gidget Village - Motherhood and Belonging
- Have a baby less than 12 months of age
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Upcoming Gidget Village Groups
Term 4 2024
Gidget Village Motherhood and Belonging - Thursday 17 October, 10:00 am to midday (AEST)
Gidget Village Parenting in Partnership commences on Monday 21 October, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (AEDT)
Term 1 2025
Gidget Village Expecting & Connection commences on Thursday 13 February (10.00am to midday AEST)
Gidget Village Parenting in Partnership commences on Monday 10 February (5.00 pm to 7.00pm AEST)
Term 2 2025
Gidget Village Motherhood & Belonging commences on Thursday 1 May (10.00am to midday AEST)
Gidget Village Parenting in Partnership commences on Monday 28 April (5.00 pm to 7.00pm AEST)
Term 3 2025
Gidget Village Expecting & Connection commences on Thursday 21 August (10.00am to midday AEST)
Gidget Village Parenting in Partnership commences on Monday 11 August (5.00 pm to 7.00pm AEST)
Term 4 2025
Gidget Village Motherhood & Belonging commences on Thursday 16 October (10.00am to midday AEST)
Gidget Village Parenting in Partnership commences on Monday 27 October (5.00 pm to 7.00pm AEST)
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."
Gidget Village - Parenting in Partnership
"I would absolutely recommend the group. A great way to reflect on your relationship."
Our organisation is closed over the holiday period.
To manage increased demand for services during this time, we will not be accepting new referrals or enquiries until Monday, 13th January 2025. For support during this period, we suggest that you please reach out to your GP, trusted healthcare professional, family, and friends. We also have a range of information and resources, available for you to explore at any time.
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