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SMS4DeadlyDads have carried out the the first and second face-to-face community consultations in Northern Queensland.
In December 2023, Wuchopperen Health Service hosted a workshop with First Nations and Health Service representatives from Cairns and the Torres Strait.
The focus of the workshop was to seek input around the content of text messages and support for First Nations men in the event of pregnancy loss or stillbirth.
The positive reception towards SMS4DeadlyDads and the concept of developing text messages especially for First Nations dads when things don’t go to plan during a pregnancy or around the birth was heartening.
An overview of feedback from the workshop is available below
The development of messages for First Nations fathers who experience the loss of a pregnancy or baby is a partnership between SMS4DeadlyDads and Red Nose. The following framework document has been developed to provide context for the community consultations. To find out more information about this project, please get in touch.
The SMS4DeadlyDads team is looking forward to taking on feedback and input into the messages gathered from community consultations.
Over the coming months we will be speaking with health professionals, community members and dads in other states and territories for additional suggestions and information on specific cultural considerations. The final set of messages will be brief texts with links to online resources and services.
Upcoming consultations on messages for grieving fathers will be taking place in Queensland (Northern Queensland and Torres Strait), New South Wales (Hunter Valley and regional centres) and in South Australia (Adelaide and regional centres)
Below is a three minute clip showcasing highlights from the recent work in Northern Queensland.
VIDEO CLIP | Phil Schouteten, Phisch Creative
SMS4DeadlyDads are forming state-based advisory groups in NSW, QLD and SA. The SMS4DeadlyDads Advisory Group Members will be community contact points for yarn ups about the loss of a pregnancy or baby. Their insight and learnings will inform the message and resource development.
Initial discussions will centre around what supports, information, resources (if any) are currently in place for dads have a loss? What cultural traditions, nuances and implications in various communities should be considered? And what support and resources would be culturally appropriate and useful.
Advisory Group Members will meet quarterly with the SMS4DeadlyDads team after gathering feedback from services and their communities.
If you would like to be get involved in these conversations, you can reach out to Advisory Group Members in your area or you can get in touch with the SMS4DeadlyDads Team Contact Us
QLD ADVISORY GROUP
CAIRNS | THURSDAY ISLAND | NORTHERN PENINSULA
Uncle Mick Adams
Bernard David
Roderick Thompson
Lyndon Reilly
Philip Uel Bani
Mark Wenitong
Marsat Ketchell
NSW ADVISORY GROUP
NEWCASTLE | MAITLAND | HUNTER
Craig Hammond
Jason Smith
Rodney Smith
Paul Mason
Jake MacDonald
Ian Eggins
Barry McGrady
Ben Charles
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Phil Schouteten, Phisch Creative
Developing messages for First Nations fathers is a partnership project between SMS4DeadlyDads and Red Nose Australia
Richard’s research revealed possible long-term negative impacts on the children of dads with mental health issues. Fathers’ depressive symptoms in the first year after the birth predicted behaviour problems in their children years later.
“If dads’ mental health has such a dramatic impact then we need to be screening dads for depression, not just mums,” Richard explains.
In response to these limitations, Richard and his team have designed a smart-phone based program that allows mobile connection for new and expectant dads.
Participants receive texts containing information and links, and self-report their mood. If the mood tracker identifies dads as needing extra support, they will be offered a phone call from a counsellor trained in this area.
Following the success of the pilot of the SMS4dads program, Funding was received to enable a National roll-out.
“When dad’s miss antenatal classes or activities, they also miss out on contact and links to other people. They may never get the chance to say to anyone, look I’m really stressed,” he points out.
“SMS4dads is a way of bringing dads into the health system and keeping them linked in with services and support,” explains Richard.
Richard credits a varied career, a talented and innovative team, and much life experience for affording him the insight needed to address the challenges related to actively engaging dads.
After completing his masters in Medical Science, studying epidemiology, Richard earned his PhD focusing on fathers and attachment.
“Fathers are invisible in many places, and that is endemic. Not because people dislike fathers, but because the system is set up to be focused on mothers.”
Some services and organisations are aware of the need to engage dads, but have been unsuccessful in their attempts.
“When people are challenged about this, they generally want dads involved,” Richard affirms.
“Often, however, they just don’t know how to do it.”
Richard works with health professionals on issues related to fathers, and has delivered many antenatal programs for expectant dads.
He credits his own family with giving him an understanding of the role of fathers needed to make his work relevant.
“I have three daughters and two stepdaughters,”
“My kids would say they taught me just about everything I know and they’d be right. They’ve taught me a lot, and still do.”
Richard’s research revealed possible long-term negative impacts on the children of dads with mental health issues. Fathers’ depressive symptoms in the first year after the birth predicted behaviour problems in their children years later.
“If dads’ mental health has such a dramatic impact then we need to be screening dads for depression, not just mums,” Richard explains.
In response to these limitations, Richard and his team have designed a smart-phone based program that allows mobile connection for new and expectant dads.
Participants receive texts containing information and links, and self-report their mood. If the mood tracker identifies dads as needing extra support, they will be offered a phone call from a counsellor trained in this area.
Following the success of the pilot of the SMS4dads program, Funding was received to enable a National roll-out.
“When dad’s miss antenatal classes or activities, they also miss out on contact and links to other people. They may never get the chance to say to anyone, look I’m really stressed,” he points out.
“SMS4dads is a way of bringing dads into the health system and keeping them linked in with services and support,” explains Richard.