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SMS texts for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Dads
SMS4DeadlyDads sends short texts with tips, info and links straight to dads phone.
If dads identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, they are sent a unique set of messages designed especially for First Nations dads.
The messages help dads
If you know a Deadly Dad (or soon-to-be dad) you can invite them to join up by filling out the form below.
They’ll get sent a text to say,
“Hey there, (first_name last_name) thought you’d like to check out this free service – SMS4DeadlyDads. It’s especially for new and expecting First Nations dads. You can check it out and join up here.“
INVITE A DEADLY DAD
If you know of a new or soon-to-be dad, you can have them sent an invite to find out more about SMS4DeadlyDads. Let us know who to send an invite to below:
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SMS4dads has a range of deadly and mainstream posters, flyers and resources that organisations can order online. They’re free and are designed to showcase positive images of new and expecting dads. This helps send a clear signal to dads that they are welcome in your organisation and that you value the important role dads play.
SMS4DeadlyDads sends three texts a week up until bub turns 1 year old. Messages include simple tips and info sent straight to your phone just when you and your baby need it.
Check out this video to find out about how SMS4DeadlyDads works
Check out this 1 minute clip where Tobias talks about being a dad to baby Cassius and how tapping into SMS4dads can help be a better father.
We caught up with some Deadly Dads in Broome – find out what they had to say about becoming a dad…
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.
