Partnering to Support Mothers and Babies
Accessible, community-based support during the first year after birth
Mothers’ Group works alongside health, community and early-years services to help mothers build social connection, access trustworthy guidance and find appropriate support during their baby’s first year.
Our free, professionally facilitated groups provide a consistent local space where mothers and babies can feel welcomed, supported and connected.
A Community-Based Pathway for Early Support
The transition to motherhood can involve significant emotional, social and practical change. Some mothers experience isolation, limited informal support, conflicting information or uncertainty about where to seek help.
Mothers’ Group provides a supportive, non-clinical setting where mothers can:
build meaningful relationships with other local mothers
strengthen confidence during early parenthood
access practical, trustworthy information
discuss common experiences without judgement
become more aware of relevant health and community supports
be encouraged to seek additional professional help when needed
Our programs complement—but do not replace—maternity, child and family health, mental health, allied health, medical or crisis services.
How Mothers’ Group Works
Our programs are designed for mothers and babies during the baby’s first year.
Groups are intentionally small, generally with 10–12 mothers.
Sessions are professionally facilitated.
Groups meet weekly across a school term.
Sessions run for approximately 90 minutes.
Participation is free for eligible families.
Groups are held in accessible community locations.
Content responds to participants’ interests and emerging needs.
Facilitators can provide general information about appropriate services when needs fall outside the program’s scope.
Consistent attendance allows relationships and trust to develop over time, providing more continuity than a one-off information session or community event.
Who Can Participate?
Mothers’ Group is available to mothers with babies aged 0–12 months who can attend a local group across the term.
The program may be particularly valuable for mothers who:
would benefit from greater social connection
have limited local family or informal support
are new to the local area
feel uncertain or overwhelmed by conflicting parenting information
would benefit from a consistent and welcoming weekly routine
want to build relationships with mothers at a similar stage
face financial barriers to accessing paid early-parenting activities
A diagnosis or formal referral is not required. Places are limited and participation is subject to availability and the suitability of the group setting.
Connect a Mother With Us
Health and community professionals can:
share the relevant location page with a mother
display or distribute Mothers’ Group flyers
include our program in local service directories
encourage a mother to register for an upcoming trial or program
contact us to discuss community need or referral pathways
Mothers generally register directly so they can receive current location, eligibility and availability information.
Safe and Appropriate Support
Mothers’ Group is a community-based early-support program. It is not a healthcare, counselling, mental health, diagnostic or crisis service.
Our facilitators do not diagnose conditions, provide individual medical advice or replace care from qualified health professionals. Where a concern falls outside our scope, facilitators can encourage participants to contact an appropriate health, community or emergency service.
If someone requires urgent medical attention or is at immediate risk, contact emergency services on 000.
For immediate mental health support:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
PANDA National Helpline: 1300 726 306
NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby: 1800 882 436
Partner With Us
We welcome collaboration with:
maternity and child and family health services
hospitals, GPs and allied health professionals
perinatal mental health and family support services
local councils and community organisations
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations
culturally and linguistically diverse community organisations
universities and research partners
early-years organisations
philanthropic and funding partners
accessible community venues
Partnerships may include:
community referrals and program promotion
local service information and referral pathways
in-kind venue support
parent education sessions
culturally responsive program development
local needs assessment
program evaluation and research
facilitator development
funding new or existing locations
Informed by Mothers and Communities
We collect participant feedback and outcome information to understand mothers’ experiences, identify barriers and improve program delivery.
We also value insights from health and community partners who understand local families and service systems. This evidence helps guide program content, accessibility, referral information and decisions about future locations.
Help Us Strengthen the Local Support Pathway
Whether you would like to share the program with families, distribute information, collaborate on delivery or explore a new location, we would be pleased to hear from you.