Community Fathering Program Illawarra Newsletter Term 3 2021
Hello from Lockdown Dads!
I was not expecting to start this newsletter with that LOCKDOWN greeting! However, it serves to remind us that life, like parenting, is full of surprises. Building resilience in ourselves and our children is a key part of family wellbeing.
Some useful resources to help you through this lockdown period:

SEE ACTIVITY IDEAS FOR FATHERS AND KIDS IN LOCKDOWN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE NEWSLETTER.

Tips on Building Resilience
 https://thefatheringproject.org/fathering-channel/resilience-in-covid19/

Webinar with former Olympic swimmer Duncan Armstrong: He gives a great presentation about being a resilient dad through COVID lockdowns, the challenges of fathering through separation and with a blended family.
           https://thefatheringproject.org/fathering-channel/webinar-duncan-armstrong-positive-parenting/

For more fathering tips and ideas, visit The Fathering Channel and share with your mates: https://thefatheringproject.org/fathering-channel/

Register for all The Fathering Project’s Community Fathering services and events via the links below.
 
Warm Regards
David Forrest
Community Fathering Coordinator.
Follow us on Instagram @communityfathering
email: david@thefatheringproject.org
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Term 2 Recap
During term two we had two Dad's Toolbox Talks, (Photo below), two Dads and Kids events (West Wollongong PS and Bulli PS) and a number of one on one  appointments. Unfortunately Lake Heights PS had their end of term Handball Breakfast cancelled due to covid restrictions.  It was a good start. Now we are ready to do more.
What’s on in Term 3 2021?
We have five different ways to connect with us now. Yes, we are adding greatly to our program this term. All services and events are free to fathers and father figures in the Illawarra.
1. ONE ON ONE SESSIONS.(Dad to Dad Talks)
We are available by appointment (or referral) for one-on-one chats about your most important role as a father.
When? Monday – Wednesday
Where? The Foundery Family Centre, 132 Wentworth St, Port Kembla.
We have a number of services we can connect you with. Just click yes below and someone will contact you directly. (We can offer referrals for free legal advice, court support, financial, drug and alcohol services, mental health support, children's educational support, work options, etc).
Would you like someone to contact you about a one on one session?
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COVID UPDATE:  Late Final EXTRA
 We will be offering ZOOM MEETINGS until we get out of lockdown. Register your interest and we will send you the details.
2.        DADS' TOOLBOX TALKS (DTT'S)
The DTTS follow on from May and June where we talked about "Topping up your Dad Tank" and "Connecting with your kids in a connected world."

The Fathering Project has lots of tips for fathers and father figures. The DTT's will suggest parenting tips, provide lots of time to talk with other dads, as well as a chance to eat a meal with the other blokes. We select topics each month based on what you’re wanting to discuss, keeping it relevant to you.
Join us every second Wednesday of the month at 6:45pm-8:30pm at The Foundery Family Centre, 132 Wentworth St, Port Kembla.
Register below by ticking the box:  We will send you specific inform about each event you nominate.

Late Final EXTRA: We will be offering ZOOM MEETINGS until we get out of lockdown. register your interest and we will send you the details.
DTT"S :  via ZOOM MEETING Conflict vs Connection: Tips for working through sibling rivalry and staying connected. 7pm-7:45pm
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DTT'S:  Fathering Basics:  The B.U.S. Principle.
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DTT'S: Celebrating Fathers Day: Setting fathering goals for the next year.
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Dads at the Dads' Toolbox talk in June
3. COMMUNITY FATHERING CONNECTIONS (CFC) (aka Fathering in the trenches)
NEW CONCEPT.  We’re better together. Not all dads are in the same situation; we can learn a thing or two from one another.  Like the ANZAC’s, we connect when we have shared experiences. These CFC events are about gathering fathers to connect, talk and support each other. Building a community men is the aim. 6:45pm-8:30pm at The Foundery Family Centre, 132 Wentworth St, Port Kembla.
CFC: Single or Separated DADS: Staying connected can be tough as you go solo. Come and share a meal and meet other dads who might have some tips on being a dad.
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CFC: GRANDDADS: We salute you as Father Figures. We are keen to gather grandfathers who are carers together to hear your stories. This is at 10am. Coffee is on us.
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CFC: NEW DADS: Let's talk about birth 4 blokes. If you are going to be a new dad soon or you already are, come and join us for this birth 4 blokes evening.  the fathering Project is partnering  the PREPARE foundation for this event.
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 CFC:  TEENAGE DADS: Who is helping you to be a father? Can we help you? Being a father in your teen years can be challenging.  We will be giving some real practical tips about parenting. Come along and meet others who have been there before you.
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4. DADS' and KIDS EVENT* AUGUST 25. Dads’ and Kids: Building the best Healthy Burgers together
This event provide an opportunities for fun activities where Dads can create positive memories with their children that last a lifetime.  
Theme: Get dressed up as your favourite cartoon character
Photo booth and BBQ fun. You’ll have an opportunity to capture memories in our photo booth and spend time gathering around the BBQ and making healthy burgers together.
Max number of participants: 15 dads with 1 or 2 Kids (30-40) max (assuming Covid restrictions allow.) So, book early!
*(Note: We know not all dads have full access to their children. Legal permissions must be respected. Please talk to us if this is a challenge. We may need to talk with you about alternatives ways to connect.)

Building Burgers with Dad at the Foundery.
5. DADS' Groups at Schools.


Many schools also host Dads' and Kids events at their school. Check here to see if your school has a DADS' GROUP.
If not, speak to us via this link about how we can get a dads group in your school.
https://thefatheringproject.org/sign-up/

Let’s connect in Term 3
Make lasting memories with your kids
Chat and learn from like-minded dads

Register your interest below and we will be in touch with more details.
Would you like information about starting a Dads' group in your school?
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 Name *
What is your postcode?
Email *
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What is the best way to connect with you?
Do you have any suggestions to help us grow and strengthen the Community Fathering ? Do you want to suggest other times to connect?
I have read, understood and consent to the collection and use of my personal information in accordance with the Privacy Collection Statement and Privacy Policy  at https://thefatheringproject.org/privacy-policy/ *
COVID Statement:

The Community Fathering Program has a variety of events planned for fathers and father figures in the Illawarra. All these events may change due to NSW government COVID19 directives, however if you register below, we will keep you informed about any changes to the events. Most events will be hosted at The Foundery Family Centre, 132 Wentworth St, Port Kembla and maximum numbers will apply, so get in early. We request that you don’t attend if you show any signs or symptoms of illness as per NSW COVID information.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/symptoms-and-testing
LOCKDOWN IDEAS FOR FATHERS AND FATHER FIGURES
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