Katy is a local Mum of three children who has previously experienced significant postnatal depression and anxiety. After a difficult experience following the birth of her second child, she wanted to be proactive in supporting her mental health during her next pregnancy.

Through the hospital’s perinatal mental health team, she was connected with KEYS for ongoing support.

“Prior to KEYS, I was very anxious and very isolated. I had very few people to talk to if I was struggling, or even just to give me encouragement.”

The Connection
Her first experience was attending a Being a Parent group, where she discovered the connection she had been missing.

“The difference between my newborn stage with my daughter versus my son was worlds different, because I finally had somewhere to go. Parents to talk to, people who could give me advice and a community as well, something I didn’t have before.”

From there, Katy embraced multiple supports through KEYS, including parenting groups, Parents as Teachers home visiting, counselling and later the KEYS to Kindy program.

What stood out most was the non-judgmental support.

“Just having people who have been through it, or are going through it, who don’t judge you or ‘should’ all over you. They’re just there to support you.”

Through her home visiting program, Katy began to see something she hadn’t recognised before, that she already had many strengths as a parent.

“She was very validating and encouraging. I was highly anxious about managing multiple children in the house, but she helped me see that I already knew a lot and was already doing the right things.”

That reassurance helped ease the anxiety that had once felt overwhelming.

“I realised… it’s okay. I’ve got this.”

The Change
One of the biggest changes in Katy’s life was realising the importance of self-care and managing emotional stress within the family. She describes it as “filling your own jug.”

“When my self-care isn’t good, my ability to help others is diminished. I’ve learned I need to refill my own jug so I actually have something to give.”

The Impact
Today, Katy uses those skills not only within her own family, but also in the wider community.

Now working as a home care assistant, she supports older community members who are often experiencing loneliness and isolation.

“Some of the people I support might only speak to one person all week. I go in, make them a cup of tea, clean the house, take them shopping and have a chat. It makes the biggest difference to their lives.”

Katy sees a clear connection between the support she received and the support she now provides.

“Having support with my own parenting freed me up to give back in my own work. If I were still struggling at home, I wouldn’t have the capacity to do that.”

Her story reflects the heart of this year’s International Women’s Day theme — When We Give, We Gain.

Through the support, knowledge and community she received, Katy gained confidence, connection and hope. In turn, she is now giving that same care and compassion to others.

“My outlook on life used to be pretty bleak,” she says. “But now I feel hopeful. I feel like I can get out into the community and make a difference.”