FATHERS facing the grief of family breakdown will have somewhere to seek support with the launch of Melton’s first counselling program for men.
Norwood Association and the Dads in Distress service will trial two daytime group sessions at the Melton Men’s Shed to help fathers through separation or divorce and with issues relating to child support and family law.
New census data shows more than 27 per cent of Melton families have a single parent, well above the state average of 15 per cent.
Group facilitator Colin Moyle (pictured) , a mental health outreach counsellor across Melbourne’s north-west, said Melton’s high family breakdown rate was due to social disadvantage, unemployment and housing stress.
He said the area lacked support networks for men who often fell into substance abuse or had suicidal thoughts after bitter break-ups or losing access to their children.
The pilot support sessions will be held at Melton Men’s Shed, 76 Reserve Road, Melton, on July 31 and August 28, 2-4pm. Lifeline: 131114
