“They just get it” an exploration of father's experiences and perceptions of a support group for men caring for children with disabilities and/or developmental delay

BACKGROUND: Support groups available to parents/carers of children with a disability or developmental delay (DDD) are predominately attended by women. Limited data exists reporting experiences of the few male-only support groups. This paper examines experiences of fathers of children with DDD attending a male-only support group from South Wales. METHOD: All fifteen members from a support group for fathers/male carers of children with DDD were invited to take part in qualitative interviews and seven participated. The data were analysed following Braun and Clarke's (Qualitative research in psychology, 2006, 3:77) thematic framework. RESULTS: Within the group, fathers felt understood by similarly situated men, and a sense of connectivity and belonging. Fathers perceived exclusion elsewhere, including mixed-gender groups. Fathers felt permission to talk in a way consistent with their male identities, and valued receiving, and giving, support. CONCLUSIONS: Mixed-gender support groups may not meet the needs of fathers, and there are potential benefits in providing male-only groups.