Support group helps dads in distress

A new support group specifically aimed at fathers affected by traumatic family break up is starting in Warragul on Thursday (August 29).

“Dad’s in Distress” is a new support group that will be held at the Community House in Normanby Street, Warragul every Thursday night from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

The group is facilitated by volunteers from Parents Beyond Breakup - a national suicide prevention charity which focuses on separating families in communities across Australia.

Phil Lamport facilitates a number of these groups in metropolitan Melbourne and together with Drouin local Michael Adams he is looking to get the program off the ground in West Gippsland.

Phil said that one of the philosophies of the charity is that children deserve great relationships with their parents that offer them the best possible start in life.

“We believe all mums and dads want to be the best parents that they can be, and that at times all of us struggle to live up to that expectation. We exist to help separated mums and dads deal with the practical and personal challenges that can get in the way of being the best parents they can be.”

While this new program focusses on fathers, the organisation as a whole provides support services for both parents and children experiencing difficult break ups.

“These weekly two-hour session aims to provide an open peer support counselling model for participants in a friendly environment,” Phil said.

Participants are advised that the sessions start at 7.30 sharp.

Interested attendees with any questions about the program can contact Phil at phil.iamport@parentsbeyondbreakup.com.