Description
Project is targeted at fathers after rehabilitation therapy who stopped drinking, are at risk of exclusion, and want to make an effort to come back to the society and rebuild parental and partner relationships without being stigmatized as alcoholics. Project will be carried out in an “Active Dad" Club in Warsaw, a place free from any ideology. We plan participation of 24-28 men divided into two groups: fathers in a relationship and divorced fathers. Participants will develop their practical, psychological, social and organizational skills required to do the “comeback", and they will work on changing their attitude from passive or demanding to pro-active. As a final touch, they will prepare and implement individual projects for their children, families, and local communities. Father will have access to partial financial support from the Credibility Bank created especially for them. Their efforts will be monitored and supported by Warsaw Club of Active Dads trainers and volunteers.
Summary of project results
"All addiction treatment programmes assume that the process of healing alcoholics and their families is a process of learning and - often as not - of developing fundamental psychosocial skills. Teetotaller organisations and AA clubs focus on post-addiction recovery and promoting alcohol-free lifestyles. Social and occupational activation programmes focus on the return of addicts to the labour market - whereas many male therapy patients find it hugely difficult to pursue their household roles of husbands and fathers. The purpose of the project was to prevent the exclusion of male addiction therapy patients by providing them with psychosocial skills and support in regaining family credibility and social position. Twenty-six fathers - addiction therapy patients - were provided with practical knowledge and psychosocial skills in areas of assertive communication, emotional (anger) control, and functional families (3 participants attended introductory meetings only). Forty-five children reclaimed bonds with their fathers. Each of the 2 father groups (including one of inmates at the Warsaw-Mokotów Remand Centre) attended 14 psycho-educational workshops (6 hours each). Furthermore, individual psychological assistance was provided (105.5 hours of consultation for 18 individuals). Therapy programme participants were also offered such volunteer-based assistance. As part of a responsibility and credibility training exercise, father worked individually and/or in groups to design and deliver 16 mini-projects making them “active dads"" in the eyes of their children, partners, and local communities. Three family events were organised at the Remand Centre. One similar event (with an additional educational workshop for fathers and their partners) was held for the non-inmate group. Each family event was attended by approximately 50 persons. Project beneficiaries included 26 men and their families: 48 children, 20 partners, 8 parents, and 4 siblings."
Summary of bilateral results