SOFT UK recognises that the whole family needs support when a Trisomy diagnosis occurs. Research shows that fathers can often be locked out of support services. This can occur for many reasons. If diagnosis happens during pregnancy, support services are often primarily geared towards the expectant mother. It can be difficult for fathers or expectant fathers to get time off work to attend medical appointments with their partner or child. Some support services are female dominated and it can be hard for dads to reach out for support. Societal expectations of fathers can also create challenges as some dads feel their role is to be strong, or supportive of their partner or to 'keep going' meaning their own needs are unmet.
SOFT UK hopes to reach out to Dads and support them at every stage of their journey.
We actively encourage Dads to become part of the work of SOFT UK, so that we are able to provide appropriate supports for Dads. We have one Dad on our Board of Trustees and also a number of volunteers.
Dads Stories
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Coping with Grief - For Men
In his latest article, SOFT UK Trustee Gareth Glendinning talks about coping with grief as a man. Gareth lost his daughter Phoebe in 2006 to Trisomy 18.
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Luke's Story
My story begins in January of 2018. After my wife suffered a miscarriage in November 2017, the thought of having another child scared me tremendously, so when in January we found out that we were expecting again, my shattered world was finally healing.
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Chris' Story
Eliana was a true blessing to Joey and I. She was only very little, but her personality shone through her big expressive eyes. She certainly told us as her parents what she liked (cuddles, having a bath) and what she didn’t (being out in her cot, getting out of the bath).