COVID-19
Virtual community created to help fathers, children and families
Freya Lucas
Apr 16, 2020
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Recognising that fathers, and father-figures have a profound impact on the health and wellbeing of their children, families and wider communities, The Fathering Project yesterday launched their new 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 Project, founded by 2013 Western Australian of the Year Dr Bruce Robinson, said the new channel has been designed to help fathers and father-figures to “build connections during these times of uncertainty where families and communities are at risk of impacts caused by stress, anxiety and fear.”Over 2 million Australian’s are now working from home, and with a large number of children undertaking their school learning from home, many families are finding themselves juggling competing priorities for their attention and resources.
Acknowledging the core role that fathers play in supporting their families to navigate this new normal, 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”.
Fathering Project CEO Káti Gapaillard said the impacts of COVID-19 have forced incredible change on the roles of parents 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.”Access to the channel is free, and takes place through the Project’s website, here. Dr Robinson said that this period 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’”.
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