Looking back on our first fathers' seminar

In May, Sternenbrücke hosted a special pilot project: for the first time, we specifically invited fathers of children with life-shortening illnesses to attend a weekend seminar designed especially for them.

Men often bear enormous responsibility in everyday life – many quietly and in the background. This makes it all the more important to provide them with a safe space where they can recharge their batteries, exchange ideas and gain new inspiration for dealing with their challenging situation.

The seminar kicked off with a group canoe trip – a relaxed start to help everyone settle in and get the conversation flowing.

Over the following days, the program offered plenty of space for reflection:

The question “Can weaknesses also be strengths?” sparked intense and honest conversations, creative exercises invited participants to discover new perspectives, and biographical work allowed them to focus on formative phases of their lives and personal resources.

The exchange among participants was open and trusting. Many fathers reported how helpful it was for them to meet people with similar experiences. Initial reservations gave way to a strong community, supported by mutual understanding – and the knowledge that they were not alone.

The seminar was an important impetus for us to continue on this path – with further offerings specifically for fathers.