Majellan Family Guides
Practical help for families
No matter how loving and caring, all families experience issues. For more than 70 years The Majellan has assisted families with their struggles and, where possible, offered appropriate advice.
On this page you will find articles and links about issues that affect families. Relevant information will cover a range of topics, including Mental Health, Drugs and Alcohol, Pregnancy, Adolescents, Grief, Shame, Anxiety, Relationships, Marriage breakdown and Disabilities.
We will continue to add articles and links over time so we can help you with issues that affect you and your family.
The guides
Financial Stress
Economic instability, job loss, or insufficient income can lead to financial stress in families. This can affect the overall well-being of family members, strain relationships, and limit opportunities for education, healthcare, and social activities.
Dealing with Loneliness
It is normal to be stressed by being house-bound and not interacting with people, but this can exacerbate the underlying stress of worrying that you may catch coronavirus. These factors can increase your chances of developing mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.
The Power of 'Love Languages'
Love languages is such an interesting idea and it's become more than just pop psychology. Family members have different Love Languages. Understanding these help build the sense of feeling loved.
Belonging to a Community can help families
Being part of a community is really important. Often when we think about family life, we just think about what's happening in the immediate family, but community has a lot to offer families.
What do I do if my partner has been unfaithful?
Infidelity is growing more common in our community and it can be a huge challenge for couples to try and work through.
Problems and relationship Repair
In relationships we have issues that come up. It's part of life. There is nothing wrong with a good argument from
time to time whether it's between a couple or with our children,.
This information is general in nature. We hope it provides some insight but we recommend you contact qualified professionals if you have a personal issue.
Links to Specialist Organisations
Pandemic Support Services
Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement
Emerging Minds – Support for children
Autism
Organisations helping families and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
Autism Victoria trading as Amaze
Breastfeeding
Australian Breastfeeding Association runs the National Breastfeeding Helpline 1800 mum 2 mum (1800 686 268). The Breastfeeding Helpline is available 7 days a week. It is staffed by trained, volunteer counsellors who answer calls on a roster system in their own homes.
Cancer
The Childhood Cancer Association provides ongoing and practical hands on support for children with cancer, and their families. Since 1975, they have provided thousands of families affected by childhood cancer with a place to live that looks and feels like home.
Childhood Cancer Support is a small, agile, family-focused organisation at the forefront of identifying the unmet needs of oncology families.
Education and Resources
Raising Children Network is a resource for Australian parents offering trusted evidence-based content on hundreds of topics about raising children and looking after yourself as a parent.
Pregnancy Birth and Baby is a national Australian Government service providing support and information for expecting parents and parents of children, from birth to 5 years of age.
Health Direct Tel 1800 022 222 A government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information.
Domestic Violence
1800RESPECT– National Sexual Assault Domestic & Family Violence Counselling Service Tel 1800 737 732
Relationships Australia is a leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities. Tel 1300 364 277
Mensline Australia is a telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns. Tel 1300 789 978
White Ribbon Australia The White Ribbon social movement and programs focus on primary prevention.
Family
CentreCare and CatholicCare are a well-respected Catholic not-for-profit counselling organisation providing a variety of counselling and professional social services inspired by compassion and respect for human dignity. They are located in most Diocese in Australia. Search CentraCare to find the nearest centre to you
MacKillop Family Services Empowering Children & Families We’re passionate about supporting families and children to thrive Listen to Dr Robin Miller CEO Mackillop Family Services on our Figuring out Families Podcast
Pregnancy Help Australia assists women and families who may be experiencing difficulties as a result of a pregnancy or suffering a pregnancy loss. Listen to Browyn Melville a board member on Figuring out Families Podcast
Reachout If you’re having family issues and problems, such as conflict, housing or safety concerns.
Kids First recognises that significant life experiences can impact on the complex and challenging task of parenting.
OzChild provides support to families and children, helping to preserve the living situations of disadvantaged young people and prevent them from being placed in foster care.
kidshelp.com.au Tel 1 800 551 800. Kids Helpline offer free phone and online counselling aged 5-25 years.
man.org.au The Men’s Advisory Network aims to raise awareness of issues impacting on male health and wellbeing, educate, promote, and advocate and provide leadership.
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia)
PANDA provides confidential information, support and referral to anyone affected by perinatal anxiety and depression, including partners and extended family members
Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE)
This non-profit organisation works to improve the emotional wellbeing of parents. The website has evidence-based articles about emotional wellbeing in pregnancy and early parenthood for parents, family members and friends
Government support and payments
The Australian Government provides a range of government benefits, payments, pensions and support services, through the Department of Human Services (Medicare, Centrelink and Child Support). Learn about government benefits and payments available to families.
Payment and Service Finder Provides a range of payments and services that help you look after your children’s education and health care. Includes a Payment Finder and a calculator.
Parents guide to child support Offers assistance with child support choices which are designed to work for both parents and non-parent carers while maintaining the welfare and best interest of the children involved.
Self Serve Here you can do most of your Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support business using self-service. There are options using mobile apps, online services or phone self-service.
Child care subsidy Assistance to help you with the cost of child care.
Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement A lump sum and an increase to your Family Tax Benefit Part A payment when you start caring for a baby or adopt a child.
Family tax benefit Helps with the cost of raising children. Made up of two parts, Part A is paid for each child, while Part B gives extra help to single parents and families with one main income.
Parental leave pay Provides government funded financial support for up to 18 weeks to help eligible parents take time off work to care for a newborn or recently adopted child.
Parenting Payment Provides income support for parents or guardians to help with the cost of raising children.
Dad and Partner Pay A short term payment if you’re a dad or partner on leave from work to help care for your new child.
Grief and loss
Sands Miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death support. Sands National Support Line: 1300 0 72637
Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement is one of four organisations funded by the Australian Government Department of Health to deliver a COVID-19 grief and trauma response package to the aged care sector:
Lifeline Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Beyond Blue creates mentally healthy environments and supports people across Australia – whatever their age and wherever they live.
Red Nose Provides counselling services by either face to face, by phone or by Skype. All counselling staff are fully accredited and trained and highly professional with many years’ experience and include Registered Psychologists, Social Workers and Counsellors. 24 Hour Bereavement Support Line 1300 308 307
Mental Health
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Beyond Blue creates mentally healthy environments and supports people across Australia – whatever their age and wherever they live.
Parent and Family Support
The Family Support programs provide information, support and practical assistance with child rearing, childcare, solving problems, and living with a disability.
Mission Australia supports mums, dads, nans and pops who are struggling with life’s big challenges to get back on their feet so they can be the best parents and carers they can be.
Benevolent Society Child and Family teams are well known for their work to improve the safety of children in their families through our early intervention programs. The Benevolent Society has staff and offices throughout New South Wales and Queensland and South Australia. For all service enquiries, please call 1800 BEN SOC (1800 236 762).
Brotherhood of St Laurence Helping young children to learn is critical to success at school and beyond. Through various programs Brotherhood of St Laurence encourages and supports the crucial role parents play in giving their children the best.
Relationships Australia Relationships Australia is a leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities.
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Uniting Care Community The service provides in-home support to families with programs like Family and Child Connect which puts families in touch with the support they need as soon as problems arise, Family Support which provides counselling, mediation, parenting skills and household management strategies to families and Intensive Family Support Service (IFSS) which teaches families to nurture, protect and keep children safe. Group programs are also available to families with programs like Parenting Made Easier which aim to generate confidence in parents and families.
Barnados believes all children and young people deserve caring families in which they can grow safely and fulfil their potential.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Help Australia assists women and families who may be experiencing difficulties as a result of a pregnancy or suffering a pregnancy loss. Listen to Bronwyn Melville a board member on Figuring out Families Podcast
Becoming Parents a Spiritual Journey A magazine to accompany people through pregnancy on their journey to becoming parents.
Sexual assault
Bravehearts was founded in 1997 by Hetty Johnston following her young daughter’s disclosure of sexual assault. Finding there was no organisation to turn to for help, Hetty established Bravehearts to provide advice and support to those affected by child sexual assault.
Single parents
National Council for Single Mothers and Their Children and their Children Incorporated (NCSMC) has been an organisation for single mothers since its conception in the early 1970`s. NCSMC believes that having access to information and support when and as required is empowering, it enables women to make informed decisions, and better equips them to protect and support themselves and their child (ren).
Twins and higher order multiples
Australian Multiple Birth Association AMBA supports multiple birth families by providing communication, advocacy, facilitation of relationships, education and support, both nationally and internationally to individuals, families, member clubs, and organisations that have a personal or professional interest in multiple birth issues.