Community
15 May, 2026
Families wanted for mental health support research
FAMILIES across the region are invited to take part in new research aimed at strengthening mental health and wellbeing support for parents and caregivers.
Brophy Family and Youth Services is a partner in the project, working alongside Deakin University’s Lifespan Institute to improve access to evidence-based support 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.”
The project focuses on improving access to proven mental health support in areas where barriers can make it difficult for families to get the help they need.
“Families in our region face real barriers when it comes to accessing mental health support, whether that’s distance, availability or privacy,” they said.
“This project is about making evidence-based support more accessible and evaluating how different approaches can best support families living in regional and rural communities.”
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The project will compare two different types of support designed to strengthen family wellbeing.
Family Foundations is an eight-session online program delivered by a health professional, focused on parent mental health, communication and reducing family conflict.
Family Life Check-In is a single 30-minute phone call with a health professional to discuss family wellbeing and identify supports.
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 research is being led by Professor Rebecca Gialo at Deakin University.
The findings are expected to inform future approaches to delivering mental health support in regional and rural communities.
Families interested in taking part can learn more or register their interest by visiting: https://lifespan.deakin.edu.au/our-research/project/family-foundations-trial
