This week for the These Dads Are Doing It Right series I am highlighting the SMS4Dads organization. SMS4dads supports men in their role as fathers and increases awareness of their influence on baby’s brain development. Check out some of the members. In addition, if there are any other dads that you think we should check out leave their name and info in the comment section below.
SMS4Dads
Richard Fletcher
Richard works with health professionals on issues related to fathers, and has delivered many programs for expectant dads. He credits his own family with giving him an understanding of the role of fathers needed to make his work relevant. Richard’s research revealed possible long-term negative impacts on the children of dads with mental health issues. Fathers’ depressive symptoms in the first year after the birth predicted behaviour problems in their children years later. In response to these limitations, Richard and his team have designed a smart-phone based program that allows mobile connection for new and expectant dads.
Chris May
Chris May has a long standing interest in fathering and parenting partnerships. He moved into academia following a career in paediatric nursing and currently works with the Fathers and Families Research Team, Family Action Centre, University of Newcastle. His PhD explored the importance of parenting partnership quality in families where there is a child on the autism spectrum. He has designed and facilitated paternal antenatal classes for over 15 years. His current work focuses on the facilitation of partner support, the assessment of co-parenting quality and the use of technology to provide supportive intervention to new fathers and to those parenting in challenging circumstances.
Dave Edwards
Dave Edwards is a Worimi man who grew up in Turrbal/Jagera country and now lives in the Bundjalung lands of northern NSW. In addition, Dave works from University of Sydney’s University for Rural Health in Lismore NSW as the co-director of the WellMob project, under the national e-Mental Health in Practice project and in Indigenous-led health research. He has joined the SMS4dads team to facilitate the co-creation of resources for Indigenous dads.
Scott White
Scott was Communications Manager at the Hunter New England & Central Coast Primary Health Network. That is where he advocated strongly for evidence-based care and whole system improvements to mental health. In addition he worked to help Aboriginal health, chronic disease management and after hours medical services. Scott’s skill and experience in these areas compliment his work as Project Lead. He works liaising between SMS4dads and PANDA to ensure SMS text messages related to perinatal mental health and wellbeing are delivered appropriately and with sensitivity.