Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents
Becoming a parent is a big transition. It can impact your personal identity, family dynamics and relationship with yourself. When parents are supported and cared for, they are stronger to connect with culture, share stories, and raise proud, strong, leaders of tomorrow.
PANDA's free services play an important role in assisting new and expecting parents and support people during this transition. We support all families, especially those facing barriers accessing mainstream services.
You can find resources and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents in the perinatal period on this page.
“PANDA is proud to embrace and celebrate Australia’s First Nations culture. We work collaboratively to enhance the mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, understanding the significant impact trauma and loss has had on their wellbeing since colonisation.”
PANDA can help
We worked with Aboriginal parents and Family Support Workers to develop a video highlighting how PANDA can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents. When parents are supported, mob benefits.
Please contact us if you would like to use this video in your health care service. marketing@panda.org.au.
Survive and Thrive podcast
The mission to make birthing on country a reality for First Nations parents across Australia
Professor Yvette Roe discusses how Birthing on Country is giving First Nations babies and parents the best start on PANDA's podcast, Survive and Thrive.
Stories
Shan's story: Finding culturally safe support
"Things may not always go to plan and that's okay. Be open and willing to learn. Parenting is different for everyone but don't say no to support and love from those around you."
Reconciliation Action Plan
Reconciliation Action Plan
Having a RAP is very important to PANDA. It formalises the work we do to respectfully and meaningfully engage and partner with First Nations families, organisations, and stakeholders.
PANDA National Helpline
Find someone to talk to, Monday to Saturday.
1300 726 306
Call 000 for police and ambulance if you or someone else are in immediate danger
Talk with friends or family
Consider talking about how you are feeling with someone you trust. This might be a friend or family member. Once you starting talking you might be surprised at how many others have had similar experiences and the support they can provide you.
Talk with your doctor
Talking with your doctor can be an important step to getting the help you need. They should be able to give you non-judgemental support, assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing care and treatment. They can also refer you to specialists such as a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Get help now
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are feeling disorientated it’s important to get help immediately. PANDA is not a crisis service, if you need immediate support call Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7).
PANDA CHATBOT
Chat to Dot
Meet Dot. They’re here to support you to explore your mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy and as a new parent.
Mental Health Checklist
How are you going?
Everyone's experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting is unique and brings different rewards and
Complete our online mental health checklist to see if what you're experiencing or observing in a loved one could be a reason to seek