|
New Courses Aim to Boost Father-Son Relationships
Monday, 13th July 2009: Are you a dad? Or a stepdad or grandfather? Are you and your son getting as much from your relationship as you could be? Are you someone that he can turn to in a crisis? Would you like to learn more about how you could provide support for him?
Participants from across Dublin and Kildare are being sought for three 'Raising Boys for Fathers' courses which will take place in Sandymount, Drumcondra and Maynooth. The innovative RehabCare courses are specifically designed to equip fathers with the information and confidence they need to manage and deal with their changing role in Irish society. The courses will also help fathers to improve their communication skills so that they are equipped and available to talk to their sons should they encounter any of life's problems.
In total, 36 fathers are being sought for each 'Raising Boys for Fathers' course. The courses are free to all participants and consist of two, two-hour evening sessions. The courses will take place on Monday, 20th July and Monday, 27th July from 7pm to 9pm in the Skylon Hotel, Upper Drumcondra Road, Dublin 9, in RehabCare Head Office, Sandymount, Dublin 4 and in Maths Hall, Logic House, South Campus, St Patrick's College Maynooth.
Fathers will learn about how they can have a uniquely positive impact on their children's lives and development. The courses will also include looking at how boyhood has changed in the past twenty years; the role of fathers; a discussion on how fathers are perceived by their sons, and information on what is happening for boys as they grow into men. The courses will include a mix of discussion, information and helpful hints from the facilitators.
The 'Raising Boys for Fathers' course was originally developed by the North Western Area HSE and has been successfully delivered in that region for the past six years. It will be delivered in County Dublin by specially trained Rehab facilitators who themselves are fathers.
The courses focus on fathers and sons because the unique relationship between fathers and sons and the fact that fathers do not usually attend generic parenting courses.
'The "Raising Boys for Fathers" course has been specifically designed to address the needs of Irish fathers; to help them and their sons cope with new pressures in a changing world,' said Collette Ryan, course co-ordinator, RehabCare.
'It is a distressing fact that high levels of suicide are found among young Irish males. Although by no means a guarantee, one of the many protective factors against suicide is the presence of a supportive, caring adult in a young person's life. It is obvious that a good father-son relationship not only has a positive effect for individuals involved, but also for society as a whole.'
For further information and to register your place on the course, please contact Collette Ryan, RehabCare on (086) 838 0218 or email: raisingboys@headsup.ie
Ends
Further Information Contact:
Collette Ryan, HeadsUp Project Manager, RehabCare
Tel: (086) 838 0218
Dara Duffy, Communications and Public Affairs, Rehab Group
Tel: (01) 205 7268
|
