Parenting Special Children - Dads & Male Carers' Support Group

This is a support group for 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.

Research shows that men can often feel isolated in their caring role and that a lack of support compounds their stresses.

We 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.

Aims of the Support Group:

  • To provide a safe, accepting & supportive environment to share personal experiences, share and explore the unique challenges faced by Dads & Male Carers of children with additional needs
  • To share helpful information and advice about networks & resources provided for Dads & Male Carers

We were meeting regularly on the first Tuesday of each month from 7.30pm – 9.30 pm, usually at Wokingham Waterside Centre, Thames Valley Park Drive, Reading but as a result of the response to the virus, we have been meeting on the Zoom platform at the same frequency and time.

The group is co-ordinated by a member of the PSC team, Peter Burton, who is always very happy to answer any questions you may have. 

You can contact him via email at pburton@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk

You may find this news clip of interest:  

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-berkshire-45336800/reading-support-group-for-men-who-care-for-children

Please note: This support group is only suitable for Parents/Carers. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide childcare, or accommodate children, unless otherwise stated.

Who to contact

Contact Name
Peter Burton
Contact Position
Parent/Carer Practitioner
Telephone
07877049793 07877049793
E-mail
pburton@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk
Website
Parenting Special Children
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Costs

Details

Bookings are made via Eventbrite on the charity's website. A nominal cost of £5.00 for Berkshire dads & carers plus Eventbrite's fee. Slightly more for out of county attendees.

https://www.parentingspecialchildren.co.uk/courses/dads-and-male-carers-support-group/

Availability

Age Ranges
N/A
Referral required
No
Other notes

See above

Additional Information

Providing services to
Adults
Carers
Notes

See above

Actions

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Record managed by Oxfordshire Family Information Service

This information has been collected from third party providers and Oxfordshire County Council cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of the information nor does inclusion represent a recommendation or an endorsement. Parents, carers, young people and professionals are recommended to check that organisations and services are appropriate and safe before they attend.
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