The Men Behaving Dadly sessions, which are operated by Sutton Council and take place fortnightly at local Sure Start Children's Centres, are an opportunity for fathers to spend time playing with their children and to meet other fathers. Fathers from the group can also access training opportunities, such as accredited first aid courses.
The main organiser of the sessions, Daniel Ayeni, of Manor Park Children's Centre, was named as Newcomer of the Year at the Children's Stars Awards last week (News, 1 July), for his success in building the number of families who accessed Manor Park Children's Centre - up to more than 500 children and 400 families - and for setting up the Men Behaving Dadly sessions to address the gap in services for fathers.
At the taster session last Saturday, fathers and their children were able to take part in activities that included face painting, football, arts and crafts, singing and cooking.
Ken Webster, a single parent who attends the Men Behaving Dadly group at Manor Park Children's Centre, said, 'Meeting other dads in the group has made a big difference, as this is the only opportunity for me to meet and talk with other men. It's hard for me to talk to mums when I attend regular sessions.
'I'm not the only one who gets something out of the dads group. My girls enjoy it too. They are more confident and are able to socialise with other children in the group.'
