Fathers and father-figures have a profound impact on the health and wellbeing of their kids, their families and that of their wider communities.
During these uncertain times of COVID-19 and the rapidly changing world as a result, there has never been a more important time to support fathers across Australia to ensure they’re able to remain engaged and effectively care for their kids, families and communities.
The Fathering Project – a not-for-profit founded by Dr Bruce Robinson, leading cancer researcher and awarded Western Australia of the Year in 2013 – is playing an important role in helping fathers and father-figures build connections during these times of uncertainty where families and communities are at risk of impacts caused by stress, anxiety and fear.
With over 2 million Australian’s currently working from home, kids are being home-schooled and studying online, dinner tables are now shared workspaces and dads are juggling conference calls with kitchen duties. The changes can be challenging, and The Fathering Project acknowledge this.
With inactivity, self-isolation and school closures across Australia, business as usual for The Fathering Project has had to adapt and look to new ways to connect with their established Dads Groups and continue the much-needed support.
On Wednesday April 15th, The Fathering Project will launch their new and free to join online Fathering Channel aimed at supporting fathers across Australia through engaging, expert and research led, topical content around fathering in the COVID-19 scenario.
The Fathering Channel provides fathers and father-figures with support through online and state-based Dad Group forums, weekly webinars, podcasts, videos, research-based materials and light-hearted celebrity conversations launching this week with Olympic gold medallist Duncan Armstrong.
Plus, there is a call out to all dads across Australia to apron-up and make Wednesday night Dads Cook Night. A great initiative for dads and kids to share cooking together hosted by Tassie dad of two Cameron, with a few tips from well-known chef/restaurateur Luke Mangan for moral support.
Commenting on the launch founder Dr Bruce Robinson says, “This time of home isolation can either be a trial or a joy for dads, and for the whole family. The Fathering Project’s tips, forums, videos and other interesting programs will make it a joy – a time that the kids look back and say, ‘that was a wonderful family time’.
The Fathering Project Chief Executive Officer, Káti Gapaillard, says the impacts of COVID-19 have forced incredible change on the roles of dads and mums as they’ve had to adapt. Working from home, managing kids, workloads or even loss of jobs are all contributing factors to creating unwanted pressure and stress during these uncertain times.
We wanted to create a place where Dads could come, in their own time, and connect with other dads, learn from each other and find a little bit of peace in knowing that they’re not alone in the challenges they’re facing.
With new content dropping daily, dads, kids and families can explore and find new programs and activities to engage with across the Fathering Channel, with state-based Dads Group Forums starting up on Tuesday 21st April.
Simply go to www.thefatheringproject.org the home of the new Fathering Channel in Australia. It’s free, accessible and on a mission to connect and support dads strengthen their father-child bonds and foster connection, sharing and collaboration in this time of isolation and need.
The Fathering Channel at a glance
Each week the Channel will roll-out daily content and a structured weekly programme. Dads can access fresh content, listen-in or watch rich content covering different themes and topics. The Programme has been designed to support Dads and encourage connection during a time of need and support.
Each Day Content/events:
Monday: Bruce Robinson, the Founder of The Fathering Project, will provide a snapshot of COVID-19. As a physician and lung-specialist, Bruce is well-informed and up to date on the current state of play[KG1].
Tuesday: The Dads Group Forums will be run on Zoom with one for Eastern States and one for Western States. Commencing Tuesday April 21st
Eastern States: Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania
Western States: South Australia, NT, and Western Australia
Go to www.thefatheringproject.org/fatheringchannel
Wednesday: A dedicated Cook Night for Dads starting with Cameron from Tassie. Plus, some high-profile chefs and celebs will post their tips
Thursday: Thursday nights will feature a weekly webinar with a leading fathering expert, dads can sign-up to free to take part. www.thefatheringproject.org/subscribe-fathering-channel
Friday / Friday nights: Bruce, Káti and a few celebrities will be having a chat around their virtual table in the form of a podcast. Stay tuned on the Facebook Page. www.facebook.com/thefatheringproject
Weekends: Across the weekends a variety of games, sport, movies and other activities will be posted to help families stay happy, healthy and connected.
To find out more about the Fathering Project and The Fathering Channel, its research and programs – visit thefatheringproject.org