Our Services

Our foundational peer-led mental health support group for mothers.

This is a welcoming and relaxed in-person support group grounded in lived experience - not a playgroup or general social group.

Connecting with other mothers experiencing similar mental health challenges in the perinatal period can be immensely beneficial. These sessions are designed to provide emotional support in a warm, non-judgemental environment where mothers can find comfort, connection and camaraderie.

The group provides:

·       A safe space to share openly

·       Honest conversation about anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, trauma and overwhelm

·       Validation that reduces shame and isolation

·       Early support before distress escalates

Mothers can attend alongside clinical care, while waiting for appointments, following discharge, or simply because they know they are not ok and would like some support. We also assist with connections into additional clinical or specialist services where needed.

No referral required. Small group. Bookings essential.

Proudly supported by The James Frizelle Foundation

Village Art is a gentle “soft-entry” mental health peer support group for mothers who may not yet feel comfortable attending a discussion-based support group, and perfect for those looking for expression through art.

This is still a mental health support space, focused on early intervention and recovery for mothers who are facing perinatal mental health, feeling overwhelmed, isolated or finding early motherhood difficult.

Through guided drawing and simple creative activities, mothers have space to regulate, reflect and connect without pressure. Conversation unfolds naturally in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Resident Grandma volunteers assist with babies and young children, allowing mothers uninterrupted time to focus on their wellbeing.

Mothers can attend alongside clinical care, while waiting for appointments, following discharge, or simply because they know they are not ok and would like some support. We also assist with connections into additional clinical or specialist services where needed.

Small group. All materials provided. Bookings essential.

Our support is designed to meet mothers across the full spectrum of perinatal mental health, including those recovering from acute experiences such as postpartum psychosis, severe postnatal depression, or anxiety requiring hospital care.

We support mothers who have experienced a stay at the Lavender Unit (GCUH) or other Mother & Baby Units, and ensure they feel safe, understood and supported as they transition back into the community.

Our Peer Leaders include mothers with lived experience of acute perinatal mental health challenges and hospital admission, bringing deep understanding, compassion and hope into the group space.

Our model is intentionally nuanced. While we offer smaller, dedicated groups for mothers in the early stages of post-acute recovery when needed, we also gently integrate mothers into our broader perinatal mental health support groups as their confidence and stability build.

This means mothers are not separated from the community, but supported within it, while still having the opportunity to connect with others who share similar lived experiences.

A unique aspect of our approach is that mothers can experience both safety and relatability, while also building connection within a wider group of mothers navigating different stages of mental health. This supports continuity of care, reduces isolation, and strengthens recovery over time.

Our groups focus on recovery and reconnection in a community setting, offering a safe, welcoming space where mothers can be understood by others who have experienced crisis or hospitalisation during this vulnerable period of motherhood.

These groups provide:

• A calm, supportive space to share lived experience

• Connection with others who understand

• Gentle support to rebuild confidence and stability

• Ongoing connection alongside clinical care

• Support to connect into additional specialist services if needed

Mothers can attend alongside clinical care, while waiting for appointments, following discharge, or simply because they would like additional support.

This support is designed to reduce isolation, strengthen recovery, and ensure no mother feels alone during this time.

Small groups. Bookings essential.

(GCPHN Commissioned)

A small, supportive mental health support group for mothers who are neurodivergent, including Autistic and ADHD mothers.

This group is designed to feel calm, predictable and manageable. It offers:

·       A structured and supportive environment

·       Flexible participation - speak or simply listen

·       Gentle grounding & creative activities

·       Facilitation by a Neurodiverse Peer Leader with lived experience

Resident Grandma volunteers assist with babies and young children, allowing mothers to participate more fully.

The focus is on shared understanding, connection and mental health support.

Bookings essential.

(GCPHN Commissioned)

A culturally safe peer support group for mothers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and expatriate communities.

Pregnancy and early motherhood can feel especially isolating when experienced away from extended family, familiar language or cultural support systems.

This group offers:

·       A respectful and welcoming space

·       Understanding of migration stress and identity changes

·       Connection with other mothers navigating life in Australia

·       Support in accessing services when needed

Small group. Bookings essential.

Proudly supported by The Lottery Office

A peer support group for medical professionals (midwives, nurses, doctors and allied health professionals etc) experiencing perinatal mental health challenges.

Health professionals often feel additional pressure when they are not thriving in motherhood. This group provides a safe space to speak openly with other mothers who understand both the clinical environment and the realities of early motherhood.

The group offers:

·       Emotional safety without judgement

·       Honest discussion about perinatal anxiety, depression, burnout and identity shifts

·       Connection with others who understand workplace pressures

Small group. Bookings essential.

(In partnership with Red Nose)

Our free Grief & Loss Bereavement Peer Support Group is held on the first Monday of each month at Motherhood Village.

Facilitated by trained Red Nose Peer Support Volunteers, this group supports mothers navigating loss from early pregnancy through to 5 years post birth, including:

·       Miscarriage or pregnancy loss

·       Termination for Medical Reasons (TFMR)

·       Stillbirth

·       Neonatal death

·       SUDI, SIDS, SUDC

·       Sudden illness or accident

Grief has no timeline. This is a quiet, compassionate space to share your story, speak your baby’s name and connect with others who understand.

Bookings essential.

A collaborative session that combines professional education with peer support.

Led by a Perinatal Psychologist alongside Motherhood Village Peer Leaders, each session explores topics such as:

·       Anxiety and mood changes

·       Emotional regulation

·       Coping strategies

·       Adjustment to motherhood

The educational component is followed by a facilitated peer discussion, providing both knowledge and connection.

Small group. Bookings essential.

A dedicated peer support space for mothers during pregnancy who are experiencing anxiety, depression, pregnancy after loss, prior trauma, or fear about birth and the postpartum period.

Pregnancy is not always joyful. Early support during this stage can reduce escalation after birth and strengthen emotional stability.

This group offers:

·       A safe space to speak honestly about antenatal mental health

·       Support around relapse prevention

·       Preparation for the transition to postpartum

Currently integrated within the Perinatal Mental Health Peer Support group.

Small group. Bookings essential.