Gidget Foundation Australia
Gidget Foundation Australia is an Australian not-for-profit organisation that provides specialist support services for parents and caregivers experiencing perinatal mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety during pregnancy and the first years of parenthood. The organisation delivers evidence-informed therapy, telehealth services, and early intervention programs aimed at supporting mental health and wellbeing for parents and families during the perinatal period.
History
Gidget Foundation Australia was established in 2001 following the death of a young mother who experienced postnatal depression, drawing national attention to gaps in awareness, understanding, and access to specialist perinatal mental health support in Australia. The organisation was founded to improve recognition of perinatal depression and anxiety and to increase access to timely, appropriate mental health care for parents and families.
Services and programs Gidget Foundation Australia delivers a range of specialised services designed to support mental health during pregnancy and early parenthood. Services include:
- Psychological therapy services delivered by clinicians with specialised experience in perinatal mental health through face-to-face and telehealth services for expectant, new and potential parents. This includes first, second, third and beyond pregnancies.
- Gidget House is a national network of perinatal mental health centres providing free therapy services for eligible clients in community-based settings.
- Telehealth and outreach programs, aimed at improving access to perinatal mental health support for parents living in regional, rural, and remote areas.
- Support programs for fathers and non-birthing parents, recognising the diverse experiences of parenthood and the mental health needs of all parents during the perinatal period.
Advocacy and impact Gidget Foundation Australia contributes to national conversations, policy development, and advocacy related to perinatal mental health awareness, prevention, and early intervention.
In 2025, the Australian Government pledged A$16.7 million to expand access to perinatal mental health services, including additional centres operated by the organisation. The funding aimed to improve the availability of bulk-billed, specialist mental health support for expectant and new parents across Australia.
Perinatal depression and anxiety are estimated to affect around 100,000 Australian parents each year, contributing to increased demand for accessible, specialist perinatal mental health services and supports.
The organisation has been referenced in national media coverage addressing fertility-related anxiety, mental health experiences of fathers, and broader perinatal wellbeing and care challenges. See also
- Perinatal mental health
- PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)
- Beyond Blue
References
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/am/perinatal-support-helpline-sees-rising-distress-/106048864<