If you've watched the Netflix hit 'Workin' Moms', you know that a support group can be a lifeline.
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Noah's Inclusion Services has thrown out two lifelines, in Ulladulla and Nowra, for parents of children with a disability or chronic illness.
'My Time' gives parents two hours a week for a cuppa and a chat while their children are with carers.
Mums at the Ulladulla group said the support they got from the group was invaluable, but it wouldn't be possible without the child-minding.
"This is the only two hours out of my week that I don't have kids - it really is my time," said Kerrie Shaw.
"I didn't even know these girls were in our community, and a fair few of us have kids at the same school. Because our lives are so hectic, we would never realise what we have in common."
Having a child with a disability or chronic illness can be isolating - sharing the experiences with other parents in the same boat can be cathartic.
I wouldn't have known where to look
- Bree Perrie
"Not everyone knows the ins and outs of what you go through day to day, the emotions and the triumphs," said Bree Perrie.
"To sit down with people and cry with them and then laugh at the same time, I don't know how to describe it, but you walk out of here with a smile, you feel like a load has been taken off you."
Emma Brooks agreed.
"We've all had our turn at breaking down here," she said.
"The rollercoaster of emotions, the why us, it can be really hard. I can't imagine life without [My Time] now, just for our sanity."
The mums said the group helped them navigate what services were available in the area to best support their kids.
"I was still travelling to Sydney for dental services [for my son]," said Ms Perrie.
"Now I know I can access it down here. I wouldn't have even known where to look."
Ms Shaw praised the efforts of group facilitator, Laurece Keith.
"If we have any questions, Laurece will do research for us - it's amazing," she said.
Ms Keith is passionate about the impact the group can have.
"It's important for everyone's mental health to connect and feel valued," she said.
"Parents bring different skills they bring to the group, and it flows back into the community."
