The NSW Government has today pledged $10,000 to the Gidget Foundation Australia (GFA) to enable the development of an innovative training program and new tools to assist the health workforce with supporting expectant and new parents.
Perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) are recognised mental health conditions affecting 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers in Australia.
GFA is a respected not-for-profit organisation that exists to support the emotional wellbeing of expectant and new parents to ensure they receive timely, appropriate and specialist care. They promote awareness, drive advocacy, educate and deliver services to prevent and treat perinatal mental health issues through early detection and intervention.
The donation will be used to develop a bespoke training program and website to host educational content and training modules for specialist perinatal mental health (PMH) training and professional development.
The website will enable emerging and experienced practitioners across allied health, nursing, midwifery and medical domains including the rural and remote workforce to gain specialist training in PMH, which will support the 60,000 NSW parents who are diagnosed with PNDA every year.
Premier Chris Minns will make the donation from the Premier’s Discretionary Fund.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“Every parent knows the immense challenges that come hand in hand with the joy of having a child.”
“I’m delighed to donate this funding to the Gidget Foundation to deliver these innovative tools, which will help our frontline health workers to better support families.”
“I want to thank the foundation for their important work in building awareness, advocating, and delivering such important services.”
Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:
“We know that 60,000 NSW parents are diagnosed with perinatal depression and anxiety each year.”
“The pressure on parents has only grown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, consecutive natural disasters, and the significant economic challenges that we currently face.”
“Parents and families in every corner of our state are feeling these impacts and doing their very best to look after their own emotional wellbeing and that of their family, but they need more help.”
“We will continue to support families and back in our frontline workers by ensuring they are equipped with the best available training and tools, like those being developed by the Gidget Foundation.”
