AEM launches new support hub for dads

Our Family Support Hub team have recently launched a brand new group aimed at dads.

Whether they are still young or their children are fully grown, the group aims to provide a social space where dads can have a support network and a space to breathe and socialise at their leisure.

The group is aimed at dads of children on the autism spectrum, though the children do not have to have a diagnosis for the dads to be able to attend. The sessions are for the dads to attend on their own, without their children, and allow them to engage in an activity whilst chatting to others present and sharing experiences or speaking with staff for advice and support.

The group has been started by Steve McKinley, who also runs our Family Support Hub in Heanor, and is a dad of a young adult who is autistic.

Steve felt that support from other dads had been invaluable to him as he parented his own son, and would like to put this in place for other dads in the area. Dads from anywhere in the East Midlands are welcome to attend.

Photos above are from our Family Support Hub in Heanor, which Steve also runs.

These meet-ups will take place monthly at a time and place chosen by the group.

The first meet-up, which took place in April, was at the Inn the Middle at Langley Mill. As a new group, the intention is to have a variety of activities over the different meet-ups such as golf, pub visits, meals and walks.

Steve is also very happy to take suggestions on what the group would like to do next.

Speaking about that first meeting, Steve said:

If you or someone you know would be interested in attending, or would like to find out when and where the next meeting will take place, contact steve.mckinley@aem.org.uk or call 07734 384 374.