A new free parent wellbeing centre has opened on the Sunshine Coast, aiming to reduce isolation and provide early emotional wellbeing support for families navigating pregnancy and the early years of parenting.
Peach Tree Perinatal Wellness has officially opened its Sunshine Coast Parent Wellbeing Centre in Maroochydore, offering free peer-led support groups, parenting programs and connection opportunities for local families.
Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder weren’t what Sunshine Coast social worker Courtney Dummett expected when she became a new mum. Now, she is using that lived experience to help other Sunshine Coast families feel less alone.
As Regional Lead, Courtney, alongside other skilled peer workers, provides free, peer-led emotional wellbeing support for mums and dads during pregnancy and the first five years of parenthood.
“My postnatal anxiety and OCD went unrecognised for months,” she said.
“Despite my professional background, understanding of childhood development and mental health conditions, I still found it incredibly difficult to navigate the system, advocate for myself and access the right support.”
Courtney Dummett from Peach Tree Sunshine Coast
Courtney attended multiple medical appointments and spent a significant amount of money seeking answers before receiving the help she needed. What stood out to her most during that time was how isolating parenthood could feel, especially when struggling.
“I realised there were so many parents sitting quietly in survival mode, feeling disconnected, overwhelmed and unsure where to turn,” she said.
“If you’re looking for compassionate, meaningful and inclusive support, please reach out to Peach Tree.
“You’re not alone, and there is incredible power in community, connection and being able to say ‘me too’ in a safe space.”
Peach Tree Sunshine Coast offers a range of free programs and services, including peer support groups, parenting programs, craft and connection sessions, music therapy, Pilates, yoga and referral support services for families.
Fast facts about the new Sunshine Coast Parent Wellbeing Centre
- Everyone delivering services and programs at Peach Tree has personal insight and lived experience of the challenges of becoming a parent and raising young children.
- Parents can self-refer via a form on the Peach Tree website.
- Peach Tree Maroochydore is a warm and welcoming space for parents and young children.
- All programs and services are free for families.
Bookings are now open via the Peach Tree website.
Peach Tree Sunshine Coast is located at 9/11 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore.
Families can also connect with Peach Tree Sunshine Coast via Facebook and Instagram.
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