Guide to groups

Who should use this resource?

This resource is for people interested in establishing and facilitating groups that support the emotional wellbeing of new and expecting parents.

This may be:

• Health professionals: child & family health nurses, early childhood educators, counsellors, speech therapists, movement therapists, art therapist, occupational therapists, social workers.
• Peer workers with additional group work skills working in the context of a community or government organisation. 
• Playgroup leaders who have completed “Is your playgroup PANDA aware?” training and want to extend their knowledge and skills

How to use this resource

PANDA acknowledges that learning is not a linear process but rather, an ongoing process of action and reflection; reflecting on issues of lived experience, of values, of beliefs – those of one’s own, of the systems and services we work within, of the communities in which communities we work with.

As well as opportunities to reflect on your role, this guide also offers real life cases of excellence from across Australia. We invite you to read, listen, watch and practice.

This guide is designed to be used alongside PANDA’s Learning Hub where we have free courses to support playgroup leaders and group facilitators.

Things to consider before setting up a group

Groups should be established with the support of services or community agencies, ideally in partnership, to ensure resources and supports are available to the facilitators and the group.

The role of PANDA in supporting group programs

PANDA offers consultation and reflective practice opportunities for health professionals and peer workers who are interested in starting or are currently running supported playgroups or support groups for parents at risk of/experiencing perinatal mental health challenges, such as anxiety and/or depression.