Being a parent is the most rewarding job you will ever do but it is also the hardest. It is ok to admit when you are struggling, no one expects you to get it right every time. There are various local support networks out there for Dads who need some extra help.
The Dads Project, run by Parenting NI and funded by Big Lottery, promotes Dads being engaged and involved in their children’s lives. It is aimed to help you develop more confidence in your parenting ability and to build positive connections with other Dads in a similar position.They have various support systems you can utilise;
- Drop in service; this takes place on Tuesday mornings in the Parenting NI Offices, Dublin Road, Belfast from 10-11:30am. No appointment is necessary but you can contact them on 07739466532 to get more information.
- Freephone; 0808 8010 722.
- Monthly Support Groups; these are open to everyone and take place in two locations- Peopleplue, City factory, 19 Queen Street Londonderry and Parenting NI Offices, Dublin Road, Belfast. Click here for more information https://www.parentingni.org/parents/dads-project/
Programmes and Courses.
Some examples of the free courses available with Parenting NI are:
- Parenting Apart Programme. This programme lasts 6 weeks and is aimed at supporting you in minimizing the impact of separation on children. The programme provides practical guidance on how to talk to your children about separation and provides guidance on how you can help them adapt to the changes ahead.
- Families Together Sink or Swim Programme. This programme lasts 6 weeks and it helps to support the mental well-being of parents and carers. Sink or Swim explores the realities of parenting, while sharing tips & tools on how to look after your own mental health
- Parenting your Teen. This programme lasts 8 weeks and covers a range of themes including teen development, self esteem, rules and consequences, dealing with conflict and problem solving. The programme promotes Authoritative Parenting, the style of parenting which has proven to be most effective. This programme has been found to improve outcomes for parents, their teenage children and the family as a whole.
- Fathers and Families This programme lasts 6 weeks and is aimed at promoting positive parenting skills to fathers. The programme is for anyone in a fathering role and gives you the skills to use a positive parenting approach and emphasizes the important role fathers play in their children’s lives. The programme is interactive, fun and an opportunity for fathers to build a support network.
Keep up to date or enroll yourself in upcoming events here: https://www.parentingni.org/programme-calendar/
The Fathering Families Project is a Big Lottery funded project run by Men’s Action Network, a group founded in 1994 to support and promote the Health and Well-being of men in the North West of Ireland. Fathering families is aimed at supporting Men who parent pre-birth to 12 year old children. Focusing on men who fulfil the role as a social father. A social father is a man who has a biological or non-biological responsibility for children and can include a grandfather, uncle, brother, cousin or other male person. They fulfill this fathering role within a family unit often in the absence of a biological father.
Families Need Fathers
FNF is a UK charity which aims to provided information and support to parents, including unmarried parents, of either sex. The charity is mainly concerned with the problems of maintaining a child’s relationship with both parents during and after family breakdown. There are local monthly meetings where parents can go to talk to and support each other directly, share their experiences and provide help. Meetings vary in size, frequency and nature. You do not have to be a member to attend.
The group in Northern Ireland meet on the first Monday of each month at 7:30pm at Hudson Bar, Gresham Street, Belfast, BT1 1JN. For more information email info@belfast.fnf.org.uk or search the website: https://fnf.org.uk/help-and-support-2/local-branch-meetings
Lads to Dads supports young fathers with issues around fatherhood, parenting and sexual health.
The following topics are delivered through Lads2Dads programme:
- Confidence in fatherhood
- Communication
- Discipline
- Anger management
- Sexual health
- Roles of fatherhood
- Employment
- Emotional health and wellbeing
- Role of social services
- The law and your rights
- Relationships
Contact Details Belfast – 028 9043 5810
Service Email ladstodads@start360.org
Funder Belfast Health & Social Care Trust
It is crucially important to be involved and present throughout your child’s life, reaching out and getting support can help you do this. Share your experiences of these events, give advice, explain how reaching out for support helped you and your family? Join or start the conversation below.
