Divorce can bring up new conflicts between couples that cause more tension than when they were married, especially where children are involved.
That’s when men can turn to Revesby-based group ‘Dads in Distress’ and have a chat with someone who has been through the same thing over a cuppa and a bacon sandwich at Revesby Workers’ Club on Sundays from 9am.
In their 23rd year of operation, Dads in Distress group facilitator Pete Nicholls says there are 16 weekly groups meeting all over the country, run by trained volunteers and supported by a national telephone helpline and online support service.
“Our peer support groups give separated dads social connection, emotional support and practical guidance to help navigate the distressing world of family breakdown,” he said.
“We cannot fix the issues that separated fathers experience, but we can and do build their personal resilience and empower them to find optimal ways to deal with a range of challenging circumstances.
“Doing so very effectively takes the risk of suicide off the table which, when you consider that over 50 per cent of separated dads feel suicidal, is no small achievement.
“We are proud to say that we help keep dads alive and in their kids’ lives.”
To find out more, email men@peersupport.men or call Nicholls on 0498 970 805.
Group helping dads in distress
WITH 33 per cent of all first marriages expected to end in divorce and a whopping 60 per cent of all second marriages, it’s no surprise that at any time there are hundreds of individuals in the community nursing broken hearts.