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Dad’s the word for Irish comedy health project
 By
SiobhÁn Breatnach
A new comedy health project focusing on children’s metal well-being is
looking for Irish fathers to come together and talk about their experiences
of being dads.
Comedian and Irish post columnist John Ryan, in association with the Leicester
Comedy Festival, is about to embark on a major comedy health venture.
That Dad Thing is a new and innovative project.
It follows on from the success of the Hurt Until It Laughs men’s
health project, which shone a light on the well-known fact that men are
reluctant to deal with their own health concerns.
This latest project has been commissioned by YoungMinds — the only
British charity specialising in children’s mental health and wellbeing.
It is hoping to engage a range of ethnic minorities in workshops across
Britain throughout the months of October and November — including
the Irish community.
Young Minds outreach co-coordinator Daryl Nicholas said: “Dads have
a major role to play in their children’s emotional development but
all too often services and support are aimed at mothers and can feel liked
a closed door to men.
“By using comedy to reach fathers we hope to give them the confidence
and support that they need to take an active role in their children’s
behaviour and emotional development.”
Leicester comedy Festival Director Geoff Rowe added: “That Dad Thing
aims to blow away the traditional stereotypes of men who shy away from
actively seeking support.”
A series of workshops will allow men to discuss, share and learn about
the experiences of fatherhood when there may be concerns about their child’s
development.
Mr Nicholas said: “What we found was that fathers need an activity
to get involved as some can be a little self-conscious to come forward.
“Sport and comedy stood out as something to engage fathers through.”
Funnyman John Ryan was an obvious choice to front the workshops.
Mr Nicholas said: “John’s got a great deal of experience in
using comedy as a tool to convey social and community messages.
“He worked on Hurt Until It Laughs and he also knows what it’s
like to be a dad. He’s very knowledgeable.”
Ryan himself added: “If you can make them laugh you can make them
listen. We’ll be talking to men about their experiences of fatherhood
and who they can turn to for help.
“It’s about breaking down barriers.”
The consultation process is already in full swing and the latest workshop
was held on Tuesday at Leicester City Football Club.
The consultation sessions will be used to produce a comedy show, which
will be premiered next February as part of the 15th birthday celebrations
of Leicester Comedy Festival.
The show will then go on tour in Britain.
Recent research has shown that one-in-10 children and young people in
Britain aged between five and 15 are suffering from behavioural, emotional
or hyperactivity disorders.
And one-in-five is experiencing a range of less severe mental health problems,
which significantly affect their daily lives.
For further information or to get involved in That Dad Thing contact YoungMinds
on 020 7336 8445.
n See Comment & Opinion on page 18 for The John Ryan Column. |
