Game On is a successful men’s parenting program developed by current Dunedin CSS Director Mike Tonks, over the last 14 years. 

The programme developed ‘by Dads for Dads’, is designed as a forum for fathers in general and reflects the call to mission in Malachi 4:6 – He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers.

At the time Mike initiated the 6-week programme, there was nothing in the Dunedin region for fathers in general, where they could talk about their common concerns and issues.  

Discussions include setting goals, communication, setting boundaries, brain development, nutrition, and discipline.

Since then, over 800 Dads have attended Game On; some through hearing about the programme from friends, others referred through social service agencies and others through formal referral.

Facilitators say the course is for men who want to make the most of their life and the relationships with their kids. "It's great to have more tools in the tool kit.  So instead of losing my s… I am trying to work things out.  I am feeling better about myself."  The quote from a Dad attending the program may not be as eloquent as Malachi but you get the picture – mission being achieved.

CSS Wellington Director Karen Holland hopes that the program can help address a real gap in the support available to Dads in the Wellington region.  

CSS Wellington recently sent social worker Eru Fox and a volunteer facilitator to a training weekend in Dunedin as a first step to commencing Game On in Wellington.

Eru says, "what is it that gets men to do a 180 degree turn in life?  I don’t know.  What are we going to lose? Bad habits? What do we gain? Good habits?  When you are “sick and tired of being sick and tired, and keep doing what you are doing and expecting something to change”, hopefully that’s when the 180 degree thing will happen. But no guarantees. I found Game On to be cool. Why? It’s cool to hang out with like-minded men. We are different and it’s great to celebrate each other’s differences’ - GAME ON!!!"

Game On starts in Wellington on the 23rd September 2021 through to 27 October 2021, 6:30 to 8:30pm.  It runs for two hours a week, over six consecutive weeks.  

The curious should contact Eru at CSS Wellington: e.fox@wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz or mobile: 021 374 593.