SMS4dadsSA UPDATE
Our SMS4dadsSA pilot research project has reached the end of the recruitment phase.
We are pleased to announce that 246 South Australian expectant and new dads joined the free information service – with many giving positive feedback about the project.
The research component of the pilot project continues to run until 30 June 2019.
Evaluation and research findings will be shared widely by the SA Mental Health Commission in the second half of 2019, so that we can continue to best support men as they make this transition to fatherhood.
SA Mental Health Commissioner Chris Burns said the value of the project is evident from the insightful feedback from new dads and the exceptional retention rate in the SMS4dads project in SA which, at 9 in 10 dads, is higher than similar projects interstate.
While hundreds of dads said SMS4dads messages helped them in their parenting journey, the project also benefitted six dads with additional advice and assistance from PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) because they were finding the transition to parenthood difficult and challenging.
For more information, see our Media Release.
ABOUT SMS4dadsSA
SMS4dadsSA supports dads in their transition to fatherhood and improves mental health and wellbeing outcomes for South Australian parents, babies and families.
SMS4dadsSA builds the bonds between the mother, father and child that lay the foundation for a strong and resilient family.
While doing this, it also monitors the mental health and wellbeing of participants – because we know that one in 20 expectant and one in 10 new dads experience pre and post-natal depression and anxiety.
Core Strategy 1: Promotion, community education and early intervention for our people and communities to strengthen mental health and wellbeing, prevent mental illness, raise awareness and reduce stigma.