Fathers day: Perth dads unite to battle loneliness and foster a sense of community

Sometimes, men just need a plan.

For Patrick Hayes, a simple Saturday morning routine has become that plan, and a way to build a community in what some find can be a lonely role.

The father-of-two now enjoys spending time at a park while his children play, chatting with other dads who have made the visit a regular occurrence on the back of Mr Hayes suggestion to set up a local dads’ group.

“I noticed a lot of other dads in the same boat, kind of playing in the playgrounds but not really engaging with others,” Mr Hayes said, admitting he previously felt too awkward to chat to other adults in that setting.

“So, I said I’d set up a local dads’ group and see if there was any community demand — and it turns out there was.”

Spending time with his children whilst they are still young is what is most important, he said, and that’s his plan for Father’s Day tomorrow as they head to the local farmers market all together.

But he’s also elated that fathers groups are become more of a fixture in the suburbs.

Because while taking the kids to the park might colloquially be about “helping mum get some space at home and time for herself ”, for Mr Hayes dad groups reflect a broader shift in what it means to be a father.

“Men’s roles are changing over time. We’re expected to do more, and that expectation comes with a little bit more weight as well,” he said.

“It’s really good to have these kind of dads’ groups to support each other in the changing expectations.”