Dads and Male Carers Support Group by Parenting Special Children

Organisation
Parenting Special Children
Article date
21 January 2022
Primary interest
Families and Parenting
Research shows that men can often feel isolated in their caring role and that a lack of support compounds their stresses

Parenting Special Children (PSC) began a monthly support group for male carers in July 2018. This was a result of feedback we received about the importance of offering support for males in a way and at a time of day that suited them. This well established and attended group has now extended its reach to include birth dads. What has become obvious is that those dads of children with special needs have the same needs for sharing the joys and challenges of parenting, in a group where there is understanding and acceptance; a place and time where there’s no unsolicited advice or suggestions given.

The support group for Berkshire birth fathers and male carers (adoptive parents, foster carers and kinship carers) who are parenting/caring for children who have experienced developmental trauma and/or have special needs aims:

  • To provide a safe, accepting and supportive environment to share personal experiences, share and explore the unique challenges faced by Dads and Male Carers of children with additional needs.
  • To share helpful information and advice about networks and resources provided for Dads and Male Carers.
The group is co-ordinated by a member of the PSC team, Peter Burton, who says:

We usually meet on the first Tuesday evening of each month from 7.30pm–9.30pm, either in person, or on Zoom, depending on Covid restrictions. During our time together, we have the chance to share some of the challenges and joys that come with raising a child with special needs as well as sharing any practical info and strategies that members have found helpful.

Peter is always very happy to answer any questions you may have. You can contact him via email at pburton@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk. You can watch a short news clip about the group here.

Further information