In a bold move to normalize mental health support for Filipino fathers, 8ConSpace, the co-working and event hub of 8Con Academy, has officially partnered with Connect The Dads (CTD), a movement addressing Paternal Perinatal Depression (PPND) and men’s mental health.
Through
this collaboration, 8ConSpace serves as an official physical hub for CTD’s
support group activities, providing a safe, inclusive space where fathers can
connect, share, and heal.
“In Southeast Asia, fathers are often left out of mental health conversations, making initiatives like this crucial in shifting mindsets and support systems.”
This
initiative is part of 8ConNect, one of 8Con Academy’s outreach arms dedicated
to linking businesses and communities through sustainable partnerships. By
supporting CTD’s mission, 8ConSpace is expanding its impact beyond education
and entrepreneurship, into the well-being of the very people carrying the
responsibilities of being protectors, providers, and modern fathers.
“This isn’t just another venue partnership. As a former single dad, this is personal,” shared Jim Francisco, Co-Founder of 8Con Academy. “Our collaboration with CTD is a milestone. It’s our way of saying to every father out there: you don’t have to do this alone.”
ConnectThe Dads, co-founded by mental health advocate Felix Veroya, is the first
dad-focused mental health program in the country. It provides peer-based
spaces, self-help tools like the Gotland Male Depression Scale, gamified
community engagement, and now, digital assistance through Companion AI, a newly
launched AI companion that offers on-demand mental health support for fathers,
available anytime, anywhere.
“This partnership with 8Con Academy is the first of many that will enable more value for fathers and their mental health journey. We are looking forward to championing this movement with 8Con in Bulacan and beyond,” said Felix Veroya,
“Together, we aim to build safer spaces where dads feel seen, supported, and heard. With the launch of our Companion AI, we’re expanding how fathers access help, beyond traditional means.”
This
alliance sets a meaningful precedent, showing how private sector collaboration
can help shape a more inclusive, compassionate society, one dad at a time.
🔗 For event bookings or partnership inquiries: Contact us here
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