Families across south-west Victoria are being invited to take part in new research aimed at strengthening mental health and wellbeing support for parents and caregivers.
Brophy is a lead partner in the project, working alongside Deakin University’s Lifespan Institute to better understand what support works best for families living in regional and rural communities.
The study is now seeking local families with children aged 0–12 years to take part.
A Brophy spokesperson said the research reflects what the organisation hears from families across Warrnambool and the broader region every day.
“Family life can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with real pressures,” they said.
“We work with families right across south-west Victoria, and we know many are juggling work, cost of living, parenting challenges and limited access to support.”
“For regional families, those pressures can be amplified by distance, isolation and events like bushfires or floods. This research is about understanding what genuinely helps and making sure future supports are built around that.”
The project will compare two different types of support designed to strengthen family wellbeing:
- Family Foundations – an eight-session online program delivered by a health professional, focused on parent wellbeing, communication and strengthening parenting partnerships
- Family Life Check-In – a single 30-minute phone call with a health professional to discuss family wellbeing and identify supports South-west families invited to shape new support program through Brophy partnership
Families who take part will be randomly assigned to one of the two options, allowing researchers to compare outcomes and determine which approach is most effective.
To be eligible, at least two parents, caregivers or parenting partners from the same family must agree to participate.
The spokesperson said Brophy’s involvement ensures the voices of local families help shape future services.
“This is a chance for families in our region to have a real say in what support looks like going forward,” they said.
“We want services that are practical, accessible and actually work for families where they live.”
Families interested in taking part can learn more or register their interest by visiting: https://lifespan.deakin.edu.au/our-research/project/family-foundationstrial