Dunedin may soon have its own Father & Child branch again, if local dad Graham Dewhirst gets his way.
A separately incorporated Father & Child Trust Otago was first established in 1998 and operated out of premises in Moray Place but became dysfunctional due to political disagreements a few years later.
Graham, who was involved with the old Trust for a short time, wants to set up the new group under the structure of the existing Father & Child Trust, which has branches in Christchurch and Auckland. He has a nine year old daughter Maria and a seven year old son Joseph, and from involvement in their early years he has made good connections with Parents Centre, the Homebirth Association and other groups.
He says the parenting organisations need to work together to do what’s best for the whole family and hopes that Father & Child can do their bit.
Graham separated from his partner five years ago and they now share parenting, with him having contact with their children most days of the week.
He says he would like to establish a group that represents a good mix of
dads with different family backgrounds.
Contact: Graham Dewhirst, dewey@xtra.co.nz, ph 03 476 6463