Community Supports
There is a wealth of support available to new mothers, fathers, families and their babies. Below is a selection of the supports available, as well as contact details for them.
Please note that all clickable phone numbers are for callers in Australia.
Emergency (ambulance, fire or police): 000
For all emergencies that require paramedics, fire brigade or police, please call 000.
Poisons information: 13 11 26
The NSW Poisons Information Centre provides the latest poisons information to the public. Telephone advice is available 24/7 from anywhere in Australia.
Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511
24hours mental health service and referral to Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Service
Beyond Blue information and support line: 1300 22 4636
24 hour service to talk with a trained mental health professional who will listen, provide information and advice, and point you in the right direction so you can seek further support.
PANDA’s National Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Helpline: 1300 726 306 (9am – 7:30pm Mon-Fri AEST/AEDT)
PANDA’s National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline provides a safe and confidential space for any new or expecting parent struggling with the challenges of becoming a new parent. Highly trained and caring counsellors can help you work through your challenges by talking openly and honestly about your thoughts, feelings and experiences.
Child and Family Health Centres 9548 4300 (South Eastern Sydney area)
Child and Family Health Centres are usually your next contact with health care workers after being dischared from maternity services. They offer drop in clinics and mother's groups, as well as one on one appointments. Click here for more information about Child and Family Health Centres and their services.
Australian Breastfeeding Association Helpline: 1800 686 268 (1800 mum2mum)
The Australian Breastfeeding Association runs the National Breastfeeding Helpline. The Breastfeeding Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is staffed by trained, volunteer counsellors who answer calls on a roster system in their own homes.
Tresillian Family Care Centres:1300 2 PARENT
Free call outside Sydney Metro area: 1300 272 736
Sydney metro area: (02) 9787 0855
Get in touch with the Tresillian Parent Help Line for any questions or advice on breastfeeding and settling your baby, as well as dealing with post-natal depression and nutrition.
Karitane Helpline: 1300 CARING (1300 227 464) or (02) 9794 2350
When you call Karitane Careline a friendly and experienced Child and Family Health Nurse will support you with guidance and encouragement on your parenting journey. A professional team will support you with topics that include: sleep and settling, feeding, and your feelings and adjustment to parenting
The Australian Parenting Website
https://raisingchildren.net.au/
Raisingchildren.net.au provide free, reliable, up-to-date and independent information to help families grow and thrive together. Information from pregnancy to newborns, children and teens is available both in writing and through informational videos.
Mensline: 1300 78 99 78
MensLine Australia is the national telephone and online support, information and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns. The service is available from anywhere in Australia and is staffed by professional counsellors, experienced in men’s issues.
Mothersafe: 9382 6539
Information on medication and chemical exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding/lactation. 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
Translating and Interpreting Service: 13 14 50
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is an interpreting service provided by the Department of Home Affairs for people who do not speak English and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients.
Get Healthy In Pregnancy:
Get Healthy in Pregnancy is a free and confidential information and/or telephone coaching service for pregnant women in NSW aged 16 years and over.
Your own university qualified health coach will help you: eat healthily, get active and stay active, achieve a healthy weight gain in pregnancy and drink no alcohol.
At Get Healthy in Pregnancy, we understanding the individual and changing needs of pregnant women.
Find out more and ask your Midwife, GP or Obstetrician for a referral to the Get Healthy Service at your next appointment.
Child Protection Helpline: 13 21 11
The Child Protection Helpline is a twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, statewide call centre staffed by professionally qualified caseworkers to receive all reports about suspected abuse or neglect of a child or young person or those at risk of harm from abuse or neglect