Services
Unplanned pregnancy care
An unexpected pregnancy can come as a shock. You may not know what to do or where to go. Hope's Dream provides a safe place to explore your concerns and options. You can feel safe knowing our pregnancy support workers will take the time to listen and understand your unique situation, working through your options alongside you.
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Whether your crisis pregnancy is because it is unplanned or because you are experiencing financial hardship, relationship crisis, domestic violence, social isolation or are lacking in family support, we are here for you.
Our pregnancy support workers provide emotional support, options information and coaching around your decisions for the future.
Our aim is to empower women and families with information about their pregnancy, their options and outcomes, and offer support to them at this difficult time.
Counselling and coaching is free of charge and may be accessed as many times as you need.
Phone or text our service and go through the intake process to receive counselling over the phone or to arrange to meet with a pregnancy support worker in person. You can arrange to meet in your home or at a neutral location.
All volunteers are lay people who have received training to provide coaching in the peri-natal period.
As this is a non-medical service we do not offer specific health care services, and the information provided by our service is not intended to substitute for professional or medical advice.
Mentoring program
If you decide to continue with your pregnancy, you have the opportunity to be mentored throughout your pregnancy and when your baby arrives. You will gain friendships, learn how to care for you and your baby during pregnancy care, and learn parenting skills. You can meet with your mentor as frequently as you wish.
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Gain life skills, pregnancy and parenting knowledge and grow a friendship with a Hope’s Dream mentor.
Meet as often as you need and learn about topics that matter to you to empower you in becoming the mother your baby needs.
Mentoring is available throughout pregnancy until your baby is 12 months old.
The mentoring program has been developed by a local GP and contains information including how to stay healthy in pregnancy, dealing with common pregnancy complaints, getting ready for baby, emotional health during pregnancy, the first few weeks after baby is born, safe sleep, cued care and how to deal with a crying baby.
Free baby goods
If you are struggling financially, Hope's Dream can provide you with quality donated items for your baby. From clothes, nappies and wipes, to blankets, cots and prams, we can provide all you will need to welcome your baby into the world in comfort. You can access free baby goods through participation in our mentoring program.
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Buying all of the items you need to welcome a new baby can be expensive. If you are struggling financially we are able to provide you with good quality, second hand baby goods including:
• Clothing — a shopping bag worth of clothing in one size may be taken at a time
• Pram
• Car seat
• Cot, cot mattress and sheets
• Emergency supplies of nappies and baby wipes
• Baby bath
• Change table or change mat
• High chair
Mothers’ groups
Our Mackay mothers’ groups are an opportunity to make friends, build a support network and do life with mums in a similar situation to you. Mothers meet weekly or fortnightly with our Hope’s Dream facilitators who provide helpful information and tips to empower you and your mum friends on your parenting journey.
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Hope’s Dream Mothers Group
Our Hope’s Dream clients are able to attend our Hope’s Dream mothers’ group for mothers with babies up to 12 months.
Mothers’ groups give you the chance to meet mothers with similar aged babies and form lifelong friendships and support networks.
Our mothers’ group for babies up to 12 months will have guest speakers and educational content at some meetings.
Hope’s Dream Graduates Group
After baby turns one, our clients are able to attend our informal Hope’s Dream graduates mothers’ group or you might want to form your own mothers’ group with women you’ve met.
Hope’s Dream Teen Mums Group
We have a specific mothers’ group just for teen mums. We understand that for teen mums it can be daunting to attend a general mothers’ group. We hope that our teen mums group will give you a safe space to be yourself, get to know other mums in a similar situation to you and flourish in your journey of motherhood. Any teen mum, even if you are not a Hope’s Dream client, can attend our teen mums group.
Pregnancy loss support
If you have suffered the loss of a pregnancy, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion, we are here for you. You might find yourself experiencing grief, anger, guilt or shame that just won't go away. It could be soon after your loss, or many years later. Our experienced counsellors can help you process your emotions and find healing.
Post-abortion grief recovery
Join our holistic 10-week program to assist women and men in their recovery from the pain and trauma of a past abortion. Whether the abortion took place three weeks or 30 years ago, we welcome you. We offer the safety of a confidential small group led by a professional counsellor who will guide you towards healing and restoration.
“Your parenthood journey will bring you so many joys, and Hope's Dream is here to walk alongside you every step of the way.”
— From the Hope's Dream team