By Derek Schlennstedt
Miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death cause heartbreak for about 106,000 Australians every year.
This Father’s Day, to meet the increasing need for support services for bereaved dads, Sands – a not-for-profit organisation which supports families 24/7 after the death of a baby – is launching its first face-to-face support group in Belgrave.
A group of fathers who have had similar experiences of loss will come together to share and support one-another.
Sands hopes that it will ease the sense of isolation bereaved fathers commonly reported after the death of their babies, particularly on days like Father’s Day.
“There are common misconceptions about the level of support men need after pregnancy and infant loss,” Sands CEO Jackie Mead said.
“Firstly, because a father’s loss is sometimes less tangible than a mother’s, a father’s needs and feelings can be unintentionally overlooked in the aftermath of such a traumatic loss.”
Upwey bereaved dad, Luke Payne, has been the driving force in establishing the local men’s support group.
He told the Mail his own experience of coping with stillbirth left him feeling unable to connect with those around him.
“I think the group can only be a good thing for dads like me – something to look forward to and also an outlet for us to talk away from our family and friends, who are carrying their own burdens,” he said.
“I’d really encourage other men who’ve been through something similar to come along.
“It’ll be a friendly and informal event.
“We really want to grow this opportunity and hear from dads themselves about what they need.”
Ms Mead said that for some men, attending the group would be first time they’d known, met or spoken with another dad who’d had a similar experience of loss.
“It might even be the first time they’ve been able to publicly acknowledge themselves as a dad,” she said.
“Peer support – getting together with those who are going through similar life challenges – is a powerful way of helping bereaved parents feel heard, respected and understood and aids their healing.”
The face-to-face group will meet for the first time on Monday 7 October and thereafter every first Monday evening of the month.
Email support@sands.org.au for location details.
Visit www.sands.org.au/male-parent-supporters for more information about the Sands Men’s Support Line.
