New program in Estonia for divorced men

The implementation of this project aimed to achieve the following objectives: Support and guide divorced men with emotional, psychological, and social support through support groups to help them n...

The implementation of this project aimed to achieve the following objectives: Support and guide divorced men with emotional, psychological, and social support through support groups to help them navigate the complex challenges of divorce. This included enabling them to process their experiences, rebuild their lives, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. The aims were also to preserve and strengthen father-child relationships; to promote mental health and well-being; to prevent conflict and promote positive parenting; to encourage equal parenting participation; to introduce and adapt a proven program; to enhance key competencies of participants; to reduce the negative impact of divorce on families. The long-term vision was to create a sustainable support system for divorced men in Estonia, contributing to a societal culture that values emotional well-being, healthy family dynamics, and shared parenting responsibilities. The project aimed to set a foundation for further initiatives that promote nonviolent, inclusive, and supportive approaches to family relationships.

Concrete activities were: 1. adaptation of the Erosta Elossa program: collaborated with Finnish partners to modify the Erosta Elossa program, ensuring its relevance to Estonia’s legal, social, and cultural environment. Translation and resource development: translated program materials into Estonian and developed additional resources tailored to the target group; 2. collaboration with Finnish partners and knowledge exchange. Held workshops and meetings with Miessakit Association to learn best practices from their successful implementation of the program in Finland. Training for facilitators: invited Finnish experts to train Estonian facilitators in the methodologies and approaches used in the Erosta Elossa program; 3. establishment of support groups-recruitment of participants; conducting 3 test groups with the opportunity for the participants to get additional 1:1 counselling; 4. Public awareness raising and community engagement: engaged local organizations, social workers, and family counselors to promote the program and reach potential participants. 5. Monitoring and evaluation - participant feedback and continuously evaluation of the program’s delivery with facilitators and Finnish experts;

1. Adapted program materials and conducting training of facilitators in Estonia • Developed a comprehensive set of Estonian-language materials: training guide and facilitator manual. • 10 trained facilitators in Estonia to deliver the Lahutusest lahenduseni program effectively, building local capacity to sustain the program. 2. Establishment of support groups for divorced men • 3 test groups (2 in Tallinn and 1 in Tartu, each 10-weeks long) with altogether 26 participants conducted for divorced men within the project, providing a safe space to share experiences and challenges. Provided additionally 1:1 counseling for participants in groups, offering tailored support to address their unique challenges. • Feedback of the participants collected before, during and after the groups. 3. Increased public awareness and community engagement • engaged local organizations, social workers, and family counselors to promote the program and reach potential participants. Public awareness raising of the possible help and the importance of supporting men and fathers post-divorce, reaching a wide audience through social media, local organizations and community events. Webpage created: https://vaiter.ee/lahutusest-lahenduseni/