SUPPORT GROUPS

You are not alone. And nor do you have to be, if you are experiencing problems with access to your children in the initial period of your separation. There are support groups that you can go to for advice and help. Probably the best for any divorced dad at this stage is Families Need Fathers.

You can find the details of your local branch on the internet (see also Useful Contacts) and find out when you can attend a meeting. At that meeting you will get help and advice about the situation that you find yourself in, and meet like-minded people who understand your issues.

This may seem like something that right now you do not want to do. But believe me it is one of the most positive steps that you can make at this time. Whilst you are totally focused on the needs of your children, you may have forgotten that you have some needs as well.

Going to a meeting is excellent therapy if you are having a nightmare of a time, then you will find people who not only understand your plight but also can offer you some practical advice and support. Sometimes it is just enough to know that you are not the only one who is in the seemingly sinking boat. You might find that the stories you hear make you realise that in fact your position is actually not as bad as some. Attending a meeting and hearing others talk about much more complicated problems than yours can make you feel much better about your own daily dramas, and can put them in perspective.