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4 Australian Organisations Supporting New Parents & Families
Becoming a parent can bring plenty of wonderful moments, but it can also introduce new challenges. From looking after your mental wellbeing to managing finances, finding family support or simply putting food on the table, there are times when a little extra help can make a meaningful difference.
Across Australia, a number of organisations and government programs provide information, practical assistance and support for parents and families. We've highlighted four services offering different types of help, so Australian parents can learn more about the support that may be available to them.
PANDA
Best for: Mental health & emotional wellbeingPregnancy and becoming a new parent can bring significant emotional changes alongside the excitement of welcoming a baby. PANDA, or Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia, provides specialised support for expecting and new parents experiencing challenges with their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
PANDA operates a National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline and provides information and resources covering perinatal anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges associated with becoming a parent. Support is also available for partners and other people concerned about someone they care for.
Mission Australia
Best for: Family & practical supportSometimes the challenges facing a new family extend well beyond caring for a baby. Mission Australia provides services for children, young people, parents and carers, with support designed to strengthen families, relationships and wellbeing.
Depending on the service and location, assistance can include parenting programs, practical support, family relationship services and help for families experiencing challenges such as housing insecurity or family and domestic violence. Mission Australia can also help connect people with other specialist services when additional assistance is needed.
Parent Pathways
Best for: Personal, study & future work goalsParent Pathways is a free and voluntary Australian Government service designed to provide personalised support to eligible parents and carers of young children.
Parents participating in the program work with a qualified mentor to identify goals that suit their individual circumstances. Rather than focusing only on employment, those goals can include education, training, personal development and other steps that can help parents build towards their future while raising a young family.
Parent Pathways has eligibility requirements, including having a child under six, not being in paid employment when joining, and living in an area where the program is available. Additional eligibility criteria also apply.
Learn About Parent Pathways →
Foodbank Australia
Best for: Food & grocery assistanceThe cost of groceries can place significant pressure on household budgets, particularly when families are adjusting to the additional expenses that come with raising children. Foodbank is Australia's largest food relief organisation and works to get food and groceries to people experiencing food insecurity.
Foodbank operates across Australia and works with charities and community organisations to distribute food relief. Its website also provides a Find Food service that can help people identify food assistance available near them.
Finding the Right Support
These organisations provide very different types of assistance. The right starting point will depend on the kind of support you or your family needs.
| Organisation | Best For | Type of Support |
|---|---|---|
| PANDA | Expecting & new parents | Mental health & emotional wellbeing |
| Mission Australia | Parents & families needing practical support | Family, parenting & community services |
| Parent Pathways | Eligible parents with children under 6 | Personal goals, study, training & future work |
| Foodbank Australia | Families experiencing food insecurity | Food & grocery relief |
Swipe left or right to view the full comparison table.
Services, availability and eligibility requirements can change and may vary by location. Visit each organisation's official website for current information and to find the most appropriate service for your circumstances. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.
Support Can Look Different for Every Family
There is no single type of support that every new parent needs. For one family, having someone to speak with about their mental wellbeing might make the biggest difference. Another might need practical family support, assistance working towards future goals or help accessing food and groceries.
PANDA, Mission Australia, Parent Pathways and Foodbank Australia each address a different part of that picture. Knowing that these services exist, and where to start looking for help, can make it easier for Australian parents and families to find support when they need it.
