A national support group for new dads which has launched a local Coolum branch is a positive step in addressing new fathers physical and mental health and improving family relationships, according to Ninderry MP and father, Dan Purdie.

Mount Coolum resident Thomas Docking is the brains behind Dads of Coolum, part of Dads Group Inc, a not for profit community organisation connecting and supporting new fathers and families.

Mr Purdie, a father of two, said it was great to see the group now operating on the coast, which is home to a growing number of young families.

“It’s great to see men taking an active role in raising their families, and having access to a network of peers for mateship and support,” Mr Purdie said.

“Sometimes new dads can feel a bit overwhelmed, especially in those first few years when parenthood can be such a steep learning curve, and I think it’s a good initiative to help them be better fathers and better husbands.

“Anything that encourages men to take an active role and offers help and advice can only be a good thing in terms of strengthening the family unit,” Mr Purdie said.

Thomas, who recently relocated to the Coast from Melbourne, established Dads Group Inc after his own personal shock transition to fatherhood with his wife Kate.

“There was literally no support for new dads when we became parents, so we started a simple peer support program that could be established anywhere through local leaders and community partnerships,” Thomas said.

“With the help of Movember, DGI have established over 50 new dads groups across the country and are looking for local, state and federal support to grow their impact across all communities of new families in Australia.”

For more information and how to join, contact Thomas via Facebook at Dads of Coolum (DGI).