Man, Child and Parenthood

MILAVA

The aim of the project is to strengthen the well-being and participation of fathers, promote equality between parents, and develop the expertise and methods of professionals.

Funders

Project information

Project duration

-

Funded by

European Structural Funds - European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)

Funding amount

99 695 EUR

Project coordinator

Oulun ammattikorkeakoulu

Unit and faculty

Research Unit of Nursing Science and Health Management
Faculty of Medicine

Contact information

Contact person

Researchers

Project description

The aim of the project is to strengthen the well-being and participation of fathers, as well as to promote equality between parents, considering the individual needs and situations of families. In the project, low-threshold family services are improved in collaboration with professionals working in family services. Also tailor-made education is provided to these professionals.


The project operates in the entire Northern Finland, with main execution locations in Oulu, Kajaani, Rovaniemi, and also in online environments.


The project involves Oulu University of Applied Sciences (project supervisor), Kajaani University of Applied Sciences, Lapland University of Applied Sciences, Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, and the University of Oulu.

Project actions

  1. Peer support and coaching for fathers
    Through collaboration with the project's target groups, the needs for fatherhood support and its subareas are assessed, involving input from both professionals and fathers themselves.
    A series of coaching sessions are planned and conducted with project participants, comprising both individual and group meetings. Based on these results, a workbook and a digital, low-threshold coaching program for fathers are developed to provide parenting support. Kajaani University of Applied Sciences is responsible for this work package.

  2. Developing new methods through co-creation
    In the project, multi-professional workshops are organized for professionals who encounter fathers and families in their work. These workshops aim to develop and pilot new work methods to support interactions with fathers. The workshop series will be held in 2024-2025 in Oulu, Kajaani, Rovaniemi, as well as online. Diaconia University of Applied Sciences and Lapland University of Applied Sciences are responsible for this work package.

  3. New competences for professionals
    Tailored educational sessions are organized for professionals who encounter fathers in their work to strengthen their expertise. Training sessions cover themes such as the resources and stressors of fatherhood, as well as enhancing parenting. Additionally, webinars on the project's themes are arranged. Trainings are conducted both online and in Oulu, Kajaani, and Rovaniemi during the years 2024-2025. Oulu University of Applied Sciences is responsible for this work package.

  4. Evaluation of the project's impacts
    The evaluation of the project measures and the internal assessment of the project, along with related actions, are managed by the University of Oulu