A groundbreaking hospital program is set to mark a significant step in perinatal mental health support for new fathers.
Dads Group, which promotes positive parenting for men to give new dads greater support and connection, will on Sunday launch the initiative that will be delivered in collaboration with hospital charity Wishlist and Sunshine Coast Health.
CEO Thomas Docking said it highlighted the need for including fathers early in the parenting journey.
“This Father’s Day, we’re not just celebrating fathers but advancing inclusive health practices,” he said.
The $180,000 first-year funded pilot project was made possible by Wishlist and 92.7 MIX FM’s Give Me 5 appeal, to set a new standard for integrating fathers into perinatal care.
The program will be rolled out at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital in coming months, to support fathers through enhanced hospital engagement, digital resources for geographically or socially isolated dads, plus community dads groups to create peer support opportunities that don’t currently exist, aimed at ensuring continuous support from pre-birth and beyond.
SCUH nurse unit manager of child, youth and family health services Caro Watts believed the program would strengthen the role of fathers throughout their partner’s pregnancy, ensuring dads are actively involved and supported.
“This program is essential for integrating fathers into maternity care,” she said.
“Their role has been overlooked by society for too long.”
Wishlist CEO Lisa Rowe said the program would be crucial.
“This holistic approach is designed to enhance family dynamics and overall wellbeing, benefiting all members of the family,” she said.
“It was big reason the team from 92.7 MIX FM got behind this cause in June to raise vital funds to allow this program to start in our hospitals this year.
“This is a big step for our region and a shining example on the national stage, setting a benchmark for other hospitals and health services who will watch and hopefully aspire to follow.”
Dr Barnaby Dixon, from the University of the Sunshine Coast, emphasised the program’s potential to improve family outcomes.
“This initiative will help us tackle issues like family violence and childhood development,” he said.
The launch event at Sunshine Coast University Hospital starts at 9am, with a Man with a Pram walk symbolising a step forward in supporting new fathers.
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