The charity Family Action is holding a very special event at Gillingham Football club as they launch two new services for Dads and Dads-to-be in Medway.
PAPAS and Parents as Partners are two brand new support services being launched by Family Action to offer help to new dads and fathers-to-be who are supporting partners affected by perinatal depression.
The launch will be held at MEMS Priestfield Stadium in the Players Lounge on Thursday July 21 and Gills Legend Ian Cox, together with other representatives from Gillingham FC will be in attendance. Refreshments will be available from 3:30pm with the launch commencing at 4:00pm and finishing at 6:00pm.
Guest speaker at the launch will be Mark Williams who was prominent in launching the first ever International Fathers’ Mental Health Day in June 2016, which aimed to raise awareness of postnatal depression (PND), antenatal anxiety and childbirth trauma experienced by men.
PAPAS is a support group specifically for Dads who are supporting partners who have mild to moderate mental health issues or have mental health issues of their own related to becoming a parent. PAPAS have a forum where dads can access support from perinatal support workers, volunteers and other dads.
Parents as Partners is a free course for parents wanting to improve their communication for the benefit of their children. The course lasts for 16 weeks and gives parents a safe place for working out difficulties and support from other parents.
Numbers for the launch are limited, but if you would like to attend this free event or find out more about PAPAS and also the Medway Parents as Partners support service, please email papas@family-action.org.uk or ring 01634 829128 to reserve your place.