Occasionally, you may find that you are not coping - you may be feeling isolated, unsure of what you are doing, feeling stressed or you just need some support.
M.C Pam Crockett introduced Dianne Sides, President Boroondara Family Network, which offers parenting support in the home in many different situations.
They offer support for mothers who are not coping - who may be feeling isolated, unsure of what you they are doing, feeling stressed or just need some support.
The Boroondara Family Network can assist:
- Families who are new to Melbourne,
- Mums with limited or no family support,
- Mums who have had multiple births,
- Mums suffering from postnatal Stress and postnatal Depression,
- Mums who feel alone and/or isolated,
- Mums who are in need of emotional support, and
- Mums who do not feel confident in their parenting role.
Clients and children up to school age are referred by maternal and child-care nurses, Camcare or they may be self-referred.
The main reasons for their referral is isolation, due to the lack support from families or neighbours. This is especially noticeable among first-time mothers, those with multiple births or medical problems, and those living in flats. The rate of single mothers has increased by 23%, and depression is common among those who feel isolated.
Help comes mainly from volunteers, who are paired with the mothers, and spend around three hours per week with them. The aim is to help the mothers to become self-sufficient and independent.
Financial support comes from Glenferrie Rotary, and Council grants.
Questions elicited how different cultures have different customs and means of support for new mothers.
MC Pam thanked Diane for her thought-provoking address.
Dianne Sides has been involved with The Boroondara Family Network since its inception.
She was the first coordinator responsible for the setting up of the organisation.
After seven years as the coordinator, she became a member of the committee and subsequently the chairperson.
Dianne’s background is in nursing, Registered nurse, Registered midwife, and has a Certificate in Neonatal Intensive care.
Volunteering became a part of her life when she was fourteen and continuesto be a big part of her life as she continues volunteering in a number of organisations.
With her husband they have been foster parents and hosted many exchange students from all over the world.
Dianne is also a director for a number of companies, and enjoys participating and teaching Scottish Country Dancing.