Ladysmith Dads' Group
What is the Ladysmith Dads’ Group?
It’s a drop-in event for new dads and their kids that takes place on Saturday mornings starting February 14th 2009, from 10 a.m. – 12 noon. A breakfast is served from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; activities and discussion follow from 11-12 noon.
What is the purpose of the group?
To offer new dads a chance to practice new ways of relating to their children, to meet other new dads, and to share information about fathering and parenting in a very low-pressure format.
What are the vision and assumptions informing the group?
The group has been started in the belief that skilled father involvement improves outcomes for children, and provides valuable support for mothers, whatever the relationship between mother and father currently is. We believe that fathers can learn the skills needed to nurture their children effectively, and that a father’s interaction with a child often has a different style that is complementary to the style of care a mother gives.
Who originated, sponsors and funds the group?
Sandra Marquis, director of the Born Healthy program at the Ladysmith Resource Centre Association, conceived the idea of the group, based on her observation of a successful similar program in Abbotsford called Daddy and Me, and applied for the funding. The Ladysmith Dads' Group is funded by the Ladysmith Resources Centre Assn., the Community Investment Fund, Coast Capital Savings and the Queen Alexandra Foundation, to whom the originator and facilitators of the group are very grateful.
Who facilitates the group?
The group is facilitated by Dale Gisborne and Sid Johnson, both fathers, and strong advocates for developing a community for new fathers.
How do I get further information, or join the group?
New dads wishing to join the group can just come to a Saturday meeting, or meet with or phone Dale or Sid at 250-245-3079 or email: dadsgroup@lrca.bc.ca. Anyone else interested in learning more about the group, or about helping to support it, is invited to contact Dale and Sid in the same way.
For further information, please email us at