Mothers Support Program
(Now encompassing the ABC Group program)

The Mothers Support Program is a free service, providing social and emotional support to women with children in the inner-city and lower north metro area. The program provides individual, outreach and group therapy and support to mothers who may be experiencing, or at risk of, a mental health problem. The aim of this program is to enhance the emotional, social and psychological wellbeing of women, their children and their families.

Through the program women can access:

• The Adjusting to Baby and Change Group,
• Community Outreach program and services,
• Individual Assessment and care planning,
• Individual and Group therapy sessions,
• Peer support, Recreational and Children’s groups, and
• Information and Referral,
• Free crèche facilities (crèche bookings may be required).

Adjusting to Baby and Change Program
Perinatal services for Mums with young children include the Adjusting to Baby and Change Group – a cognitive-behavioural therapy program which teaches skills and behaviours aimed at reducing the symptoms of postnatal depression and anxiety, building confidence and self-esteem, and assisting recovery.

Community Outreach Program
The Community Outreach program is a flexible and responsive service aimed at providing holistic and individualised support for women living with a mental illness, and their children. Services include support, advocacy and group activities to reduce isolation, create supportive networks, enhance personal coping strategies and provide parenting support.

Referrals & Cost
Women are welcome to self refer or may be referred by their health professional.
Women with a diagnosable disorder may be referred to this program by a medical practitioner, allowing access to individual specialist perinatal clinical psychology services and ABC Group services at no out-of-pocket expense (via Medicare rebates).

For more information
To find out more about the Mothers Support Program, Postnatal Depression, or the Adjusting to Baby and Change program, please contact:

Kim Hamilton (Perinatal Mental Health Program Manager)
Phone: 9227 8122
Email: kim@whs.org.au