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Find out more about SMS4DeadlyDads and get involved in the development of new text messages and resources designed especially for dads when things don’t go to plan during pregnancy, birth or in the early stages of parenthood.
WHEN Monday 26 August 2024
WHERE Turoolba, Wandiyali 1 Hague Road Boolaroo
WORKSHOP 10.30am- 12.30pm
LUNCH 12.30pm – 1.30pm
RSVP Complete form at bottom of page
We’re looking forward to meeting you! Feel free to pass on this flyer to interested colleagues and networks.
SMS4DeadlyDads is working in other states around Australia such as Northern QLD and Adelaide and Port Augusta in SA, to further develop the grief and loss messages – especially designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dads who experience a loss.
We’re keen to hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dads who have experienced a loss and yarn about things like what would have been helpful to know? How can dads be offered better support, comfort and understanding in the circumstance of a loss? Please get in touch if you have lived experience or know a dad and his family who have.
Uncle Mick Adams | 0409 646 952 | MickAdams47@gmail.com
Louie Hahn | 0431 127 094 | Louie.Hahn@newcastle.edu.au
SMS4DeadlyDads is forming Advisory Groups across Australia to work on the development of new messages for First Nations fathers when things don’t go to plan during pregnancy or the birth.
Craig ‘Bourkie’ Hammond, SMS4DeadlyDads Indigenous Program Manager
Jake MacDonald, University of Newcastle, Cultural Capability Partner, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Leadership
Jason Smith, Awabakal, CEO
Rodney Smith, Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) program / Awabakal
Paul Mason, Department of Corrective Services
Ian Eggins, Turoolba Clinical Services, Wandiyali
Barry McGrady, Allambi Care
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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.