Fathers’ support group in pipeline
A Warnbro man is on a mission to get a support group started for fathers with children with a disability.
After many years of feeling isolated and frustrated with a lack of men’s support groups in Rockingham, Greg Wheare said it was time to fix the problem.
“The reason I want to start the group is because I am a single father with two children as well as a child with high needs,” he said.
“I have learnt over the past 13 years that there has been no support for fathers in Rockingham with children with a disability — none at all.
“It has been very hard and frustrating to get the right support.”
Mr Wheare said he had contacted many support groups but found the majority were located in the north metropolitan area.
“It is about bringing facilities to Rockingham and networking with men in the area who have a child with a disability and who feel isolated,” he said.
“When you are told your child has a disability you are in shock and you may not have anywhere to turn.
“The message I want to give out to the fathers who have children with a disability is you are not alone. There are other fathers out there and it is time for us to come together and help each other.”
Mr Wheare said he had support from Brand MHR Gary Gray and Rockingham City Council.
“What is really needed now is a place for us to set up and for fathers to get in touch,” Mr Wheare said.
He hopes to have the support group running by February 2013.
For more information call 0405 758 378.
