A new online initiative to provide social and emotional support to first-time mothers living in regional, rural and remote communities across Northern Queensland will see novice mums paired with a volunteer support person from December 8.
James Dimmock, Professor of Psychology at James Cook University, is Research Director for the initiative. He said the Bamboo Parenting Program has been designed to improve mental health outcomes during the perinatal period – the time before and after baby is born.
"From next month, new mothers will be able to go to the website, register for the program and then nominate a support person from their own network or be paired with a volunteer mentor, who will be an experienced mother," said Professor Dimmock.
"The central aim is to reduce the risk of perinatal mental illness by connecting new mothers with positive mentorship and tailored social support."
Program Director, Ms Kaila Putter, said all support persons will undergo a short online training session led by behavioural scientists specialising in relationship functioning and social support.
"A digital resource hub, including podcasts, relationship advice and relaxation exercises will provide additional tools for both mothers and support people," said Ms Putter.
Professor Dimmock said they welcome first-time mums who think they might value a bit of extra support through what is often a tough period of life.
"For those with more serious mental health complications, we feel your best bet is to go straight to professional sources of support," Professor Dimmock said.
"By encouraging early help-seeking the initiative aims to reach women who might otherwise overlook available support.
"We're also looking for community volunteers to act as support people within the program. You may be eligible as a support person if you are a mum who has a child or children outside of the perinatal period (i.e., your child/ren is/are older than one).
"There are a couple of exclusion criteria, but ultimately, we would love for experienced mums in North Queensland to lend support for the new mums out there," Ms Putter said.
Professor Dimmock said that if the pilot program is successful, it could be scaled up across Queensland, offering a lifeline to mothers in communities where access to perinatal mental health services is often limited.
The pilot trial is being held for participants and support people in Northern Queensland. It will be led by the Psychology of Active, Healthy Living (PAHL) Group at JCU, and will be undertaken in partnership with the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network.
The work is funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission.
Link to website here, with an introductory video.
