Together for Children

This piece of work aims to evaluate whether services for fathers in Central Exeter meet the Every Child Matters outcomes of Enjoy and Achieve and Make a Positive Contribution.

To build an effective infrastructure of support to ensure the inclusion of fathers and male carers in Durham Children and Young Peoples’ Service

Ockenden Children's Centre has over 130 families accessing its services each week and because of opportunities for female workers in the local retail industry this includes a high proportion of families where there are "stay at home" or unemployed fathers and male carers. The centre is therefore aiming to achieve the Fatherhood Quality Mark.

To develop men friendly activities for fathers and male carers and actively encouraging their involvement within all aspects of the children's centres within our programme. By having a male dads engagement worker to champion for men and provide a positive role model for both other men and their children, and to encourage traditional services for families to no longer focus solely on the mother and child.

To involve fathers in the care and development of their children by encouraging socialising with their children.

The project is open to all male carers i.e. fathers, stepfathers, granddads, uncles, older brothers and other father figures. The aims are: Supporting Dads in their Role as Fathers; Supporting Dads in their Relationship with their Children; Supporting Dads in the Time they spend with the Whole Family; Supporting Dads into Education, Training and Employment.

To provide Dads/ Male Carers/ Grandads with opportunities for play and social interaction. The programme is based around activities, which have been identified by those attending the group.

To engage a young Iraqi father within the Sure Start project. To encourage him to understand the demands of a young baby and enjoy playing with his son.
Together Fenchurch Street Children's Centre developed the fathers parental skills, including healthy eating, bathing, weaning, sleep, and play.