By Jed Lanyon
Support group Dads Group Inc celebrated Father’s Day with the Man with a Pram walk through Healesville Sanctuary on Sunday 1 September.
The not-for-profit community organisation is committed to connecting new dads with the aim of improving men’s health, preventing family violence and reducing isolation and suicide.
About 400 new dads and kids around Australia marched in unison on Father’s Day, Sunday 1 September, to raise awareness of the need for greater support for new dads.
Event organiser Aladdin Jones shared his experience with the Upper Yarra Dads Group.
“I joined Dads Group Inc earlier this year and it just felt like a good kind of alignment,” he said.
Mr Jones has been working with men and families for nearly 20 years as a family therapist.
“I’m really passionate about supporting new dads…It’s also a way of raising awareness around the importance of engaging men in family life but also part of changing the culture around healthy masculinity,” he said.
“My hope is that an annual Father’s Day event happens here at the sanctuary…and I hope it engages dads to come here with their kids throughout the year.”
Bakers Delight partnered with Dads Group Inc and CEO David Christie said he was proud to support an organisation that played such an important role in communities across the country.
“Providing fathers with a place they can go to find support and guidance within their local community is so important for new families and we couldn’t be happier to support,” he said.
The national program has created more than 100 dad groups across Australia, which work to provide guidance and support for young and expectant fathers.
These groups enable thousands of Australian dads to connect with their children and other local fathers, assisting those who may be feeling lonely, anxious or overwhelmed.
For more information about Dads Group Inc, visit: dadsgroup.org.
