Dads group reopens in Geelong

A LOCAL support group for single and struggling fathers has been revived in Geelong, providing local dads with the support they need to maintain healthy relationships with friends and family.

Dads in Distress Geelong (DIDG), run by national charity Parents Beyond Breakup (PBB), closed in 2019 when the group’s previous facilitator could no longer volunteer and COVID-19 extended the closure.

The group was revived on April 24 this year when PBB operations manager, Doncaster resident, and separated dad Phil Lamport put his hand up to help.

Mr Lamport is currently running the group until a more permanent, local facilitator takes over the reins.

“As we came out of lockdowns nationally, it was time to focus on re-opening in-person groups,” Mr Lamport said.

“Geelong came near the top of our list because it has a disproportionately high incidence of separations, family court cases and suicides.

“Geelong is an area our national helpline gets a large number of calls from each year.”

DIDG runs each Monday at 5.30pm at the ETU (Electrical Trade Union) on 67 Gheringhap Street.

The building was donated by the ETU as a ‘donation in kind’ offering a private and suitable location for DIDG to host its meetings.

“Dads attending get to meet local peers, other dads in the same situation, and get to share both their own experiences but also their insights and wisdom to help the other dads there,” Mr Lamport said.

“Each dad is at a different point in their journey, so those further along can help those newer to the situation.

“For the dads that have been through this for a long time, they get a sense of purpose from being able to help a fellow dad avoid some of the pitfalls that are so common.

“For the newer dads, it’s a huge relief from the sense of isolation and hopelessness that often kicks in not long after separation.”

Herne Hill resident and single father Shane Eisel jumped on board DIDG as a project officer last month, with prior experience as a group facilitator for other men’s groups.

“In other groups I was a part of, we taught men to build healthy communication skills through an idea we coined as “iron sharpening iron”,” Mr Eisel said.

“Men keeping other vulnerable men accountable to their actions.

“When I heard about DIDG, it immediately struck me as a beneficial program to other dads like myself, a safe space to talk to peers in a supportive environment.”

Parents Beyond Breakup’s national helpline is open seven days a week from 9.00am to 5.00pm on 1300 853 437 if you or anyone you know requires any support.