Dads Group, in collaboration with hospital charity Wishlist and Sunshine Coast Health has announced its groundbreaking new hospital program, marking a significant step in perinatal mental health support for fathers.

Dads Group promotes positive parenting for men to give new dads greater support and connection.

CEO Thomas Docking says the launch highlights the crucial need for including fathers early in the parenting journey.

“This Father’s Day, we’re not just celebrating fathers but advancing inclusive health practices,” Mr Docking says.

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 rollout at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital in the 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.

Sunshine Coast University Hospital Nurse Unit Manager of Child, Youth and Family Health Services Caro Watts believes the program will 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. Their role has been overlooked by society for too long,” Ms Watts says.

CEO of Wishlist Lisa Rowe adds: “This holistic approach is designed to enhance family dynamics and overall wellbeing, benefiting all members of the family”.

“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 emphasises the program’s potential to improve family outcomes, stating: “This initiative will help us tackle issues like family violence and childhood development”.

The launch event begins at 9am at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, with a “Man with a Pram” walk symbolising a step forward in supporting new fathers.

Fast Facts:

• Provide improved support for fathers throughout their partner’s pregnancy, through the birth of their child and beyond.
• Support dads to be actively involved and equipped to be the best partners and fathers they can be.
• Create peer support opportunities that don’t currently exist.
• A proactive means of supporting and strengthening family units, including mums and bubs.
• Dads Group will provide digital programs and resources for geographically or socially isolated dads.
• Dads Group will bring a wave of change to the public health system to better include dads in maternity care.