By Melissa Grant
If you are a new parent living in Boroondara and feel isolated and overwhelmed, you are not alone.
The good news is that there is help at hand.
The Boroondara Family Network (BFN) is a free community service that helps mothers, of all cultural backgrounds, who may be isolated from traditional support, caring for multiples, or struggling with postnatal depression or other stresses.
Its volunteers provide friendship and support with parenting, giving advice and helping with problems which can arise when a new baby arrives. They also help parents access local child care, education, health and social services.
BFN was established on 22 March 2000, after a psychologist working in Hawthorn, who was a Rotarian, saw the need for mums to have help in the home.
Dianne Sides has been with the organisation since its inception – she has been coordinator, a committee member and is now the chairperson.
She says the service has helped hundreds of Boroondara mums to become confident parents over the past two decades.
The service trains volunteers who provide in-home support to families with children under the age of six.
“We visit the home. It’s not about babysitting or housekeeping, it’s about supporting the mother with her parenting,” Dianne explained.
“In Boroondara there are a lot of isolated mums. It could be a mum who doesn’t have access to her own mum. She might be a refugee or a mum who has moved here from the country to work.
“They will still see the maternal child and health nurse. We are just another voice.”
Mums are typically referred to BFN by maternal and child health nurses and Camcare, a community organisation based in Camberwell.
Some mums are referred by GPs, family members or themselves.
Dianne said the service has received about 50 referrals each year since it began.
“We have about one a week almost, and that’s been ongoing right through the time we’ve been working,” she said.
BFN generally has around 30 volunteers on its books. These volunteers are trained to help new parents and typically visit a client for three hours a week, usually in a single block.
“However, if it’s a multiple birth or if there are other issues, we might put two volunteers with the client,” Dianne added.
Some new parents just need help until their baby settles into a routine. Some simply need assurance that they’re doing a good job. Some need assistance to find connections within the community.
“If a mum has a bit of depression, the volunteers can help get them going to music groups and playgroups or community groups with other mums. It’s about helping them find resources. When you are a new mum you often don’t have time to find these things,” Dianne said.
Covid has made things difficult for the service. At times, home visits have been impossible due to restrictions, however volunteers have been busy providing support over the phone.
BFN relies on funding via government grants, Boroondara rotary clubs and the City of Boroondara. Due to funding arrangements, the service is only able to help mums who live in the Boroondara council area.
BFN is always looking for committee members and volunteers. If you are interested, contact the coordinator at bfncoord@gmail.com
