Dad’s In Distress

(From Simon Phin, CEO) - As we come to the end of the year I feel the weight of working Dad’s more than ever. This year I’ve spoken to hundred’s of men who work away from home in many far-flung corners of the globe. On oil rigs in Angola, in boardroom’s in Houston, lecture theatres in Calgary, supply vessels at sea and among containers at port. Some 14 days on 14 days off, many more 28 days on 28 days off. Regretfully there are those who work for months at a time away from home. We know this takes a toll, for too many it is the breakdown of marriage, the partnership and the inevitable separation from children as a result. I hear too many stories of desperation and frustration that are recurring and all too familiar.

Desperation for understanding how to deal with a situation they can neither control nor understand where it may go or take them. It’s heart wrenching. The support that is there for men, provided by government is lacking to say the least. Closer to home my cousin ended his life this year following a separation and the inevitable debilitating depression that rears as a result. Loss of identity for men and the hopelessness that comes as a result is the greatest threat to men following a relationship breakdown today.

‘Dad’s In Distress’ is a uniquely Australian initiative founded 10 years ago in Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast. In the ten years since it has saved the lives of many men who saw little future for themselves amongst the despair of separation. Dad’s In Distress offers more than an open ear to men, it offers the hope of responsibility and acceptance allowing men to move forward and face the challenges of a new future before them with confidence, and importantly, hope.

We, as an organisation, thought if we put our money anywhere this year it should be with ‘Dad’s In Distress’. We know they make a difference and, all too often, it's the small difference that counts.

A few words from Dad’s In Distress CEO, Barry Guidera ‘Our objective at Dads in Distress is to provide the men who come to us with the peer support they need to help get their lives back on track. The contributions from Beyond the Break has been a fantastic asset in helping us increase awareness of our services and to ensure we’re reaching those who feel lost and alone when their relationships breakdown. It will also support our invaluable volunteers who unselfishly give their time to help men facing similar issues that they have successfully navigated their way through. Many thanks to Simon and the team at Beyond the Break’.

As we approach Christmas, that for many is a great time of celebration and family, talk to those men who may not be with their loved ones and separated from their children. Your phone call, your invitation to share Christmas with you and your family will have an indelible effect at a time when it's needed the most.

Learn More: http://www.dadsindistress.asn.au/www/home/