Navigating a difficult chapter in his life is what led Stephen Hirst to create Dads Community, a North Brisbane-based space for men to connect, feel seen and grow.
While mums seem to have countless groups, forums and coffee catch-ups, dads are often left on the sidelines, expected to “figure it out” in silence. Stephen wanted to see this dynamic shift.
“It’s a space that is very much needed,” Stephen said about the concept of Dads Community. “I see the breakdown in society, and I do feel there’s a lack of support for dads out there. I also feel the more support we give them, the healthier society becomes, and we create healthier families.”
It was during the breakdown of his marriage and while trying to navigate co-parenting that Stephen realised he needed support. Wanting to be present for his kids spurred Stephen on to connect with others, and it grew from there. Enter Dads Community – a safe, welcoming and supportive space where men from all walks of life could connect, share, learn and be reminded that they weren’t alone on their journey.
“This is a space for men to feel comfortable, for them to be able to open up and have a chat or at least listen to someone else going through a similar thing and know they aren’t alone,” Stephen said. “I realised early on you have to role model it and so I decided to jump on to a live chat in the private Facebook group daily and also share my story, my challenges, what’s happening with my life and be completely vulnerable so others know it’s okay.”
Finding Purpose and Creating Change
Dads Community hosts several in-person events:
- Barbecue meetups (dads and kids)
- Sports teams (dads only)
- Weekly Lake Eden running club (dads only)
- Fortnightly hikes and Lake Eden walks (families, partners, kids and others)
- Annual Christmas party (all families welcome)
- Gel blasting and 4WD days in the bush and beach (all families welcome)
- Men’s circles – real talk and real support for men to open up, listen and be heard
Creating Dads Community and making a difference in the lives of others out there has given Stephen a focus and purpose.
“I didn’t really realise I didn’t have a purpose until my marriage separation happened,” Stephen said. “I felt very unfulfilled in the job I was doing, and I was obviously seeking some sort of purpose. I didn’t know that I was going to get that purpose by creating the Dads Community. But watching the changes taking place and seeing them find themselves and be that better person, especially for their kids, is pretty special to see.”
Dads Community isn’t just making a difference for fathers, it’s changing the lives of the women who surround them as well.
“We see so much support from wives, partners, mothers and even ex-partners, who tell us how grateful they are to see the men in their lives doing something for themselves and trying to be better,” Stephen said.
Follow Dads Community Public on Facebook or email 1dadscommunity@gmail.com. A link to the private Facebook group is available via the public page.
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