VOLUME 8 -
ISSUE 4 December 2010
New Study of Experiences of Sexual Relationships and Fatherhood among Men from Lower Socio-Economic Groups Now Available
This new research report commissioned by the HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme captures the experiences, opinions and attitudes of a group of young men from lower socio-economic groups on the subjects of sexual activity, their roles as fathers, and how they view themselves as men. These issues were discussed within the broader context of Irish society, of cultural assumptions about fatherhood, and of representations of young men and fathers in various media.
20 of the 41 men aged 17-25 who were interviewed had fathered a child, while a further three were prospective fathers at the time of interview. A substantial proportion of the sample had experienced pregnancy scares, miscarriages and unplanned pregnancies. Many fathers in the study demonstrated their commitment to their parental role and how it was a turning point in their lives, prompting them to become more responsible. It also had an effect on how they perceived themselves as men. The fathers in the study also highlighted the multi-faceted nature of fatherhood, identifying care-giving, discipline, decision making and being a positive role model for children as other key aspects of the fathering role which they strove to fulfill.
Author of the report, Dr Elizabeth Nixon said: “These findings reveal a picture of involved and committed fathers and challenge traditional stereotypes and incorrect assumptions of young unmarried fathers as uninvolved and uninterested. The young fathers believed that being a good father entailed more than being a provider. Despite having a limited ability to provide financially for their children, many realised the positive impact that they could have on their children’s lives by being physically present and involved in daily care-giving activities.”
This new qualitative research, conducted by Dr Elizabeth Nixon, Dr Pádraic Whyte, Joe Buggy and Professor Sheila Greene was compiled following interviews and focus groups with 17-25 year olds in Dublin and Waterford.
To read more, click here
To download a copy of the research report, click here
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Latest Graduates of the Crisis Pregnancy Counselling Skills Course
The HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme celebrated the latest graduates of its certificate course in crisis pregnancy counselling skills at a ceremony in the NUI Maynooth on 22nd November. 17 crisis pregnancy counsellors and support staff completed the year-long, skills based programme which aims to support individuals working in a paid or voluntary capacity to further enhance their counselling skills in this unique field of counselling and to set standards of good practice in the area. The year-long course is delivered by the Department of Adult and Community Education, NUI Maynooth and was developed in partnership with the Crisis Pregnancy Programme, who also fund it.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe, Research and Policy Manager of the Crisis Pregnancy Programme said: “I would like to congratulate the graduates on their achievement in completing this course. The Crisis Pregnancy Programme is committed to ensuring that free, non-judgemental support is available to all women who experience a crisis pregnancy regardless of age or what part of the country they’re from.
Pictured at the Graduation Ceremony are the course graduates, Dr. Stephanie O’Keeffe, Research & Policy Manager, HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme, Katharine Bulbulia, Former Chair, Crisis Pregnancy Agency, Anne McCarthy, core tutor, Professor Tom Collins, Head of Department and Dean of Teaching and Learning, NUI, Maynooth, Mary B. Ryan, Course Co-ordinator, Mary Corbally, Course Administrator.
For a list of free, non-judgemental, trustworthy crisis pregnancy counselling services visit positiveoptions.ie or freetext list to 50444
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Intellectual Disability and Crisis Pregnancy: What is the Research Saying?
The HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme (CPP) and the National Disability Authority (NDA) have developed a new, compact research summary which describes the challenges faced by people with intellectual disability with regards to managing their sexual and reproductive health and accessing health and social work services. This easy-to-read summary is for caregivers, health professionals and service providers who are interested in learning about these issues.
This leaflet summarises the key findings from a literature review on ‘Provision of Appropriate and Accessible Support to People with an Intellectual Disability who are Experiencing Crisis Pregnancy’ that was commissioned by the CPP and the NDA. The literature review was written by independent researcher, Joan O’Connor.
It is hoped that the findings from the research will contribute to the development of national policy and legislative structures, standardised care protocols and accessible, tailored services, to ensure that the sexual health, pregnancy and decision-making and parenting support needs of people with intellectual disability throughout Ireland are met.
To view the ‘Research Summary’, click here.
To order copies of the ‘Research Summary’ please email Roisin Guiry at rguiry@crisispregnancy.ie or call 01 814 62 92.
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Have You Heard About the ‘THE REAL DEAL – live life B4 u give life’ Programme?
The REAL DEAL programme is designed and delivered by young mums who have experienced motherhood in their teens and wish to share their experiences with other young females. Phase 3 of this programme is currently underway with training being delivered to teenage girls aged 15 – 19 in schools and training centres.
The Training covers the following topics:
1. Self Esteem
2. Sex Education & Contraception
3. Drugs, Alcohol & Sexual Behaviour
4. STI’s – Sexually Transmitted Infections
5. Life as a Teen mum
6. Goal Setting – Not Now, Later
Visit www.therealdeal.ie for more information.
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