Villagehood Mums Programs – Supporting Mothers in Early Motherhood
Villagehood Australia is committed to supporting mothers, strengthening families and helping children thrive.
Our programs are designed to support mothers and new parents in the early years through connection, learning and community. They create spaces where mothers feel supported and understood, enabling them to build the confidence, knowledge and connection they need to support their children.​
Why our parenting support programs matter
Many mothers in all parts of Australia experience emotional distress, postnatal depression and mental health issues in the first years of parenthood, but cannot access the support services they need.
When support is available, it is all too often fragmented, difficult to navigate and not designed around the reality of the mother or child's life. This means mothers are left to manage alone, and referrals to support services only become available once a crisis point is reached.
Villagehood Australia programs are designed to provide early intervention in the form of connection, family relationship support and helpful resources before things escalate.
When mothers are supported and able to contact and access support early, families do better.
What our mother support programs offer
Our programs are peer-led, community-based and grounded in the life experiences of mothers and their children.
They support mothers so that they feel less alone, and enhance their emotional wellbeing by building confidence in their parenting. This means they are better able to understand their child’s development, which in turn strengthens resilience and the bond between mother and child.
Villaghood Australia programs also provide a space where mothers can connect with other mothers in a safe and non-judgement environment.
Our approach
Villagehood Australia programs for women and families are built on three core elements:
Connection
Being connected reduces isolation and builds a sense of being involved and belonging, so we bring mothers together in safe, welcoming spaces where they can share openly and raise concerns with other women who are also parents without fear.
Learning
We provide practical tools and knowledge about parenting and how a mother's emotional wellbeing impacts on the development of their child, as well as their relationships with partners, family and friends.
When mothers are better able to understand what is happening both to themselves and their children it reduces anxiety and enables women to feel more confident and capable in their parenting.
Relational support
Villagehood Australia programs are different to many other support services in that they focus on the relationships women have with their children, partners and families.
We don’t just provide advice, online counselling or emergency relief to address mental health issues. Instead, we are committed to developing ongoing solutions and trusted community connections that give mothers the support they need over time.
Types of programs and support services
Villagehood Australia offers a range of programs designed to assist mothers at different stages of their life and journey, from pregnancy, to the arrival of their new baby, and through the first years of being a mum.
These include:
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peer-support groups
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guided group programs
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parenting and attachment-based programs
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community connection activities
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wellbeing and creative programs (such as music and connection-based sessions)
Each program is designed to support both the mother and the relationship she has with her child.
For the whole village (next phase)
While our current programs focus on mothers, we know that they do not exist in isolation. She is part of a wider support system that includes her partner, family, friends and her community.
If we want mothers to be truly supported through experiences such as postnatal depression, grief and feelings of separation, the people around her need to be able to understand what is happening and walk alongside her.
This is the next phase in the development of Villagehood Australia.
Co-designing the village together
We are now working towards expanding our model to support partners and co-parents, grandparents and carers, and the broader community around families.
This work will be designed in partnership with the community so that programs reflect the real needs, life experiences and diversity of the mums and families we assist.