Working Out Dads

Working Out Dads 2020

With thanks to The Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, Tweddle are recruiting for two new programs to take place in Melbourne’s Inner West (Recwest in Footscray) To join, email Manager Community Programs or phone us on 9689 1577 to join our next group. Visit the Working Out Dads page for dates, times, flyers and locations.

One Hundred Dads Project

Tweddle are seeking funding to help deliver more programs for dads. We are inviting individuals, partnerships and sponsors to join us in changing families, communities and workplaces, one dad at a time. Let us know if you can help.

Healthy dads are vital to families. Conclusive research confirms dads play a significant role in the social, cognitive, emotional and physical well-being of their children from infancy with lasting influences into their adult life.

Working Out Dads is a free after-hours therapeutic parenting program for dads, held in fitness centres.  The program features facilitated discussion and exercise, handouts and text messages. Themes cover parenting, relationships, mental health, fitness and well-being.

The objective of Working Out Dads is to connect, support and strengthen the capacity of dads in the very early years of parenting. There is also a goal to become less isolated and more resilient and supportive during the transition to early parenting and to promote healthy lifestyle choices.

Run by a male facilitator, Working Out Dads covers:

• Developing parenting skills and confidence and building positive relationships with your child
• Juggling the needs of your family, work and your own needs
• The changing dynamics of relationships and how to maintain positive adult relationships
• Managing stress and pressure and practical ways to cope when things get tough
• Working on your health, fitness and well-being for you, your child and your family

Why help dads?

Conclusive, compelling research confirms dads play a significant role in the social, cognitive, emotional and physical well-being of their children from infancy with lasting influences into their adult life.

The first year after having a baby is a period when some fathers are at risk of isolation and psychological challenges. Fathering research conducted at Tweddle in 2012 by the Parenting Research Centre showed the majority of fathers admitted to a residential program had mental health symptoms, and one in five men were experiencing clinically significant levels of distress.

Feedback from Working Out Dads;

“I will be able to seek help when I find it difficult”

“It was great being able to share experiences and hear other dads are facing the same problems so we’re not alone”

“I have learnt that the challenges that I will face in the future as a parent are normal and that I just need to learn to manage them”

“I have an awareness of how to communicate effectively with all those around me in particular my partner”

“I’ve learned about my stress and about talking to my partner and child more”

Make a tax deductible donation to the One Hundred Dads project

Tweddle’s One Hundred Dads story Dec 2017 Herald Sun

‘Babies and young children need engaged, supported dads for better life outcomes’