FATHERS and grandfathers are being invited to take some time to think about themselves at a new, free course coming to Southampton next month.

Emotional First Aid for Dads is a six week course aimed at fathers, grandfathers and other men involved in caring for children within the family.

"It's not particularly for men who are struggling with parenting but a space to give them a chance to talk about how they look after themselves, or not!" says Marina Murphy, one of the facilitators of the course.

"It's not about how to parent. It's about giving men time to explore and foster their sense of self and to identify the early signs of emotional distress.

"We all get into bad habits, such as alcohol, finding it hard to switch off, difficulties sleeping, or avoiding thinking about things at all," she continues.

"On the course we will try to identify them and to replace them with positive ones."

Marina says that fathers often feel complex pressures, to be both tough and emotionally available, and can also feel they aren't living up to the image of the idea family often portrayed on television.

"It's actually very hard work being a parent," she adds.

"It challenges your relationship with your partner. It challenges the whole dynamic."

The course consists of an introductory evening, on October 3, followed by six consecutive Wednesday evening, from 6.15pm to 10pm, at the community room in St James' Park in Shirley, Southampton. Participants must be able to commit to attending all of the classes.

As well as the learning on the course, it is hoped that participants will build up a network to continue to support each other once the course has finished.

"It is up to everyone how little or how much they share in the group," adds Marina.

"People will also be invited to express themselves in different ways, such as by sharing a picture of a piece of music.

"We will also signpost people to other services, where appropriate, and also share tips.

"One is to think back to life before you had children and try to identify what you enjoyed doing, such as playing sport or spending time with friends. The men can then tap into that as a way of helping themselves to switch off, as they already know that it's something that works for them.

"If you are happier in yourself, and feel more in control and able to spot stress that's likely to come up, you are a better person for everyone."

For more information on the Emotional First Aid for Dads course, call 023 8078 7638 or email marinainthevalley@outlook.com.