AEM launches new support hub for dads

Inn The Middle Langley Mill geograph org uk 4719654

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.

Family Support Hubs
Wooden tower 1 easter 2023

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:

The first meet up was great, we had five in attendance and also spoke to a member of the public who has an autistic daughter and an adult diagnosis himself! We had lots of positive feedback and look forward to the next meeting.

Steve McKinley

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.

Family Support Hubs

Our Family Support Hubs provide a regular meeting point for families. It's a place to access activities for the whole family, as well as gain support and specialist information and advice.

Our team also runs parent workshops every month which take place in the evenings via Zoom.

Family Support Hubs