Dads Groups

Dads. Kids. Coffee. And maybe a playground. It sounds simple, because it is simple.  

 
 
 
 

There are no agendas and definitely no judging. The only qualification is that you identify as a new or expecting father / father figure or about to become one.

 

70 groups

70 groups already established around Australia, Dads Groups are a proven model to engage and support new fathers.

 

93%

93% of new dads surveyed expressed that attending a Dads Group improved their social connections.

100%

100% of new dads surveyed said they would recommend becoming a member of a Dads Group to other new fathers.

How Dads Groups work

Dads Groups are a gathering of new fathers meeting together weekly with their kids, a coffee, and often a playground. The peer-to-peer approach of Dads Groups create an evidenced based and effective framework for support — something that is often missing from the existing fatherhood experience in Australia.

Groups are led by a new father, but usually with the support of a local council worker, especially in the establishment stage. Over 70 Dads Groups have been established around Australia in the last 5 years, with demonstrated impact. The initial findings of a 2019 University of the Sunshine Coast research report into the impact of Dads Groups found that:

  • Almost twice as many dads in the general community reported feeling mostly or always isolated as a parent compared to those who attended Dads Group events.

  • 33% of dads in the general community had no idea of places they could go to make friends and talk with other parents compared with 3% of dads who attended Dads Group events.

  • Dads who attended Dads Group events were twice as likely to know where they could get help as a parent compared with dads in the general community.

  • Five times as many dads in the general community felt they and their family were not at all connected within their community compared with dads who attended Dads Group events.

  • 55% of dads in the general community reported never or only a little of the time taking their child to events or gatherings compared with 17% of dads who attended Dads Group events.

  • Dads who attend Dads Group events reported feeling that they and their family were connected within the broader community significantly more so than dads generally.

  • All mothers involved with Dads Group felt at least a little connected within their community, whereas 19% of mothers in the general community felt not at all connected.

“I think DGI has given me the confidence to get in there and have a crack. Talking and meeting other blokes modelling a healthy relationship with not only their children but there partners is inspiring.”

New Dad / 2018

30,000

Over the next 3 years we have a goal of supporting at least 10% of new fathers in Dads Groups across Australia. That’s over 30,000 new fathers and their families experiencing increased health and wellbeing.

Join a Dads Group

  1. Find one

    Check on the map below to see if there is already one going in your area, and get in touch!

Tell me more!

“

The impact is beyond what we thought.
The work is about bringing dads with their children together, giving their partner a break and opportunity to support one another and make new friends. But to see our local dads be a part of setting it all up, owning the direction it goes in, and leading this work is something so wonderful to be a part of and so great to see this community-led work happening. Working with Dads Group has been a collaborative, positive and insightful partnership which is building local dad communities in Moreland."

Leanne Giardina / Coordinator of MCH and Immunisation at Moreland City Council

 We also partner with local councils...

Engaging Fathers

As part of the national rollout of Dads Groups we partner with local councils to run a program called, Engaging Fathers. 

This program has been developed as a way for local Dads Groups to launch and be supported by local councils and maternal child health centres. The Engaging Fathers Program has various packages, which can include:

  • workshops

  • video consultations

  • training facilitation

  • support with fundraising

If you would like to hear more about how you could implement the Engaging Fathers Program in your local area please contact our National Leader Engaging Fathers, Adam Tardif or fill out this form below and one of our team will be in touch.