Free Course

Aim To Boost "Father-Son Relationships"

Are you a dad? Or a stepdad or foster father? 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 Mayo are being sought for ‘Raising Boys for Fathers', an innovative course specifically designed to equip fathers with the information and confidence they need to manage and deal with their changing role in Irish society.

The course, which is free to all participants and run by HeadsUp - Rehab's mental health promotion project - 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,12 fathers are being sought for the ‘Raising Boys for Fathers' course which consists of two evening sessions, each lasting two hours. The course will take place on Monday, 13th May and Monday, 20th May, from 7 to 9pm in the Family Centre, Chapel Street, Castlebar.

Fathers will learn about how they can have a uniquely positive impact on their children's lives and development. It 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 course will include a mix of discussion, information and helpful hints from the specially trained facilitators whom themselves are fathers.

The ‘Raising Boys for Fathers' course focuses 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, project manager, HeadsUp.

‘It is a distressing fact that high levels of suicide are found among young Irish males. Although by no means predicting suicide, one of the many protective factors against it 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, HeadsUp on (01) 205 7326/ (086) 838 0218 or email:
raisingboys@headsup.ie<mailto:raisingboys@headsup.ie>

Further Information Contact:
Collette Ryan, HeadsUp Project Manager, Rehab
Tel: (086) 838 0218
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