Real Men’s Health is showcasing excellence in men’s health programs through our Men’s Health Program series.
In each article, we will ask 5 questions of a featured program organiser to gain insight into what they do and their thoughts on men’s health today.
In this article, we speak with Craig Hammond from SMS4DeadlyDads
Q1: Could you please describe your role within the program?
Co-ordinate the development of messages and resources for the SMS4DeadlyDads program. Liaise with all Indigenous services.
Q2: Could you please describe what your program does?
SMS4DeadlyDads delivers text messages to expectant and new dads to help and support them in their journey over 18 months (www.sms4deadlydads.com.au ) The messages offer the dads information and a support to be confident in their role.
We have more than 700 Indigenous dads registered from all regions in Australia. We have developed special messages when the baby goes into NICU and if the pregnancy is lost or the baby passes.
Q3: What are the biggest changes you have observed within the men’s health space over the past 5-years?
The conversations around the involvement of men/dads in and around parenting. There has been a change to involve dads in Aboriginal and mainstream services. We have seen a change in fathers’ involvement in the Welcoming Baby ceremony in Newcastle.
Q4: If hypothetically, the Government offered you an unrestricted $1M grant tomorrow, what one project would you spend it all on?
I would focus on bringing men together from government organisations and the local community. To talk about what do we need in the community for men. And give younger men a leadership role.
Q5: Do you have a favourite sports team, when & why did you start supporting them?
The Mighty Dragons. When we got our first colour TV, the Dragons with the big red ‘V’ on their shirts ran onto the field.
Thank you for sharing with Real Men’s Health
