Ready, Steady…. FAMILY!

A great FREE support program for expecting and new parents

“Ready, Steady…. FAMILY!” is an innovative program launched by Drummond Street services in 2019 that is client-centred and focused on meeting the needs of expecting and new parents (and those having subsequent babies who would like it to go better next time). The transition to parenthood can be tough. Those first 12 months usually include many ups and downs, a renegotiation of roles at home, an adjustment of the new parents’ identity, and a demand for cooperation most couples have never faced previously. New parenthood also usually offers a whole lot of joy as families adjust to a new way of life. Drummond Street has a team of professionals ready to meet the needs of those welcoming a new baby into the family including:

• Perinatal specialists in mental health who provide counselling and psychology services (It’s not unusual to feel depressed or anxious when such big changes are happening)
• Parenting Support for everyday issues such as eating, sleeping, routine, practical help and information on topics of the client’s choice
• Men’s worker offering the Dads groups and one-to-one parenting sessions
• Peer Workers who have been through their own challenges in early parenting, and can visit you at home
• Group facilitators to support with the big issues of parenting (picking up baby’s cues, helping them establish a sleep routine, stress management and improving your mood over time
• An 8-10 session couples course called Family Foundations which helps couples communicate and cooperate more easily
• Experienced social workers and case workers offering practical help with housing, finances or legal problems
• Family violence workers and other specialists if things are tough in that way
• Single sessions when you have a specific problem to solve (issues with in-laws, worries about childcare options, anxious feelings when driving)
• And musicians who can just run sessions to make you laugh and have baby bopping along!
• We also have CALD bi-cultural workers including those from African, Indian and Vietnamese backgrounds. The Ready Steady…FAMILY! program has 4 elements to affect change in families and prevent mental health issues from impacting or increasing.

Fun groups and seminars including a FUNKY BUBS musical group for parents and kids to boost happiness and feelings of competence and self-esteem. See our group’s calendar on our website www.ds.org.au – or just email us to book into a group or seminar at events@ds.org.au -easy to book and free of charge.