support for Dads in Distress
Helpline 1300 853 437
Help is here
Dads in Distress has been keeping dads alive and in their kids' lives since Fathers Day, 1999.
We provide 100% free, confidential and non judgemental support to dads who are going through or have gone through separation – in particular, separation from their kids. All of the team at Dads in Distress are peers, dads who’ve been through it themselves. We get the issues and we know what it feels like to be in this situation. You might feel isolated, anxious, depressed, hopeless. You might have suicidal thoughts, which is not all that unusual when the situation seems overwhelming. Our team, having been there, can appreciate where you’re at and be there to listen and provide you useful pointers that make this more manageable. Common issues and questions we get at our support groups include the likes of:
If this sounds like you then, you're in the right place and we can help.
Online Support
Monday eve (FREE Expert Q&A)
Workshops: We also operate regular free workshops (100% confidential) with external ‘dad friendly’ experts such as lawyers, police officers and psychologists who can answer your questions in a safe space.
1st Monday of the month
Child Support Matters
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2nd Monday of the month
Parental Alienation
3rd Monday of the month
Family Law with ICL
4th Monday of the month
Family Law
5th Monday of the month
Guest experts
In Person Support
Support groups: DIDs provides support in a number of ways, the main of which are peer support groups that run in different locations around Australia and online each week. These are drop in so there’s no need to book, prepare or pay, just drop in to your local group or click the link to join one of our online groups at the start times shown. In both cases, don’t be late as we kick off on time. These groups are generally 2hrs long and you’ll have the opportunity to talk to other dads, like you, confidentially and to hear the wisdom and insight of the other dads around issues that you’re struggling with.
Mondays
- NSW – Maitland (every Mon eve)
- VIC – Geelong (every Mon eve)
Tuesdays
- ACT – Canberra (every Tue eve)
- NSW – Charlestown (every Tue eve)
- NSW – Sydney CBD (every Tue eve)
- QLD – Brisbane (every Tue eve)
- QLD – Gold Coast (every 2nd Tue eve)
- WA – Perth (every Tue eve)
- VIC – Bayswater (every Tue eve)
Wednesdays
- NSW – Freshwater (every Wed eve)
- NSW – Singleton (every Wed eve)
- NT – Darwin (every 2nd Wed eve)
- SA – Adelaide (every Wed eve)
- TAS – Hobart (every Wed eve)
- VIC – Frankston (every Wed eve)
- VIC – Geelong (every Mon eve)
- VIC – North Melbourne (every Wed eve)
Thursdays
- NSW – Gosford (every Thu eve)
Calendar of Support
This calendar shows up to the minute status and details. Click entry in calendar to view details.
All of our DIDs support is listed in our calendar. Click on any entry to expand it and see more detail such as the meeting address or to get the link to join an online meeting.
24/7 Online Chat & Forum
Separation Checklist
External Support Links
Pete Nicholls Parental Alienation from a Dads Perspective
In 2013, Pete volunteered as a DIDs group facilitator. With a passion for suicide prevention, he has since made PBB his main occupation and retains roles within PBB. As a separated dad, he has 21 years experience of parental separation.
Thank you Tony Miller. Thank you for starting Dads in Distress. Thank you for saving lives.
“I was a dad in distress, I went through a separation and a divorce, I wasn’t allowed to see my kids, I was hurting.” – Tony Miller OAM
Steve, one of our dads talks about his experience with DIDs
“I came across DIDs when I was going through a tough challenge in my life. I had barely had any contact with my daughter in 8 years. When I came across DIDs everything seemed to change.” -Steve
Father's Day Report
This is a reports on separating dads and the issue of suicide.
In this first report, we look at trust and its impact on dads getting help.
Also, how well are we performing as a suicide prevention support service….