Dads R Us
This group meets on Saturdays during term time from 10.30am to 12.30pm and is not just for Dads. Any adult male (father, grandfather, uncle etc), who cares for one or more pre-school aged child for even short periods of time is welcome. The group is a place where Dads/male carers can meet up with each other in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. There are lots of indoor and outdoor play activities for children.
Dads R Us is not off limits to Mums (or female carers) either. On the 2nd Saturday of each month we invite wives/partners of the men who attend the group, plus mums who work during the week, to come along to Dads R Us.
What adults attending Dads R Us have said
‘I have a stronger bond with my daughter’.
‘It’s a chance to focus and play with my kids’.
‘Gives me some 1-1 time [with my child] after a week at work. My wife has a break’.
‘It’s widened my network of local contacts’.
Getting involved
My name is George and I am the Father’s Worker here. I have been involved with this father’s group since April 2009. I have ideas for activities at Dads R Us but I also want to encourage everyone coming to Dads R Us to share their ideas and suggestions for activities.
By ‘everyone’ I mean everyone. It was one of the children who asked me if they could have balloons and from that initial request different balloon-related activities and games were developed which went down well (with the adults as well as the children). If you have any suggestions for what you like to see happening in the group or if you’d like to get more involved as a volunteer please speak to me when you see me, leave a message at reception (tel 020 8496 2442) or send an email to george.washington@lowhall.waltham.sch.uk
What else happens locally?
All Children’s Centre’s welcome Dads/male carers at activities and some have specific groups for Dads at weekends.
- Chapel End Children’s Centre, Brookscroft Rd E17 4LH – 10.00am to 12noon on 2nd Saturday of each month. Contact Sarah Wales on 020 8527 9192. www.chapelendnursery.co.uk
- Church Hill Children’s Centre, Woodbury Rd E17 9SB – First Saturday each month 10.00am to 12.30pm (from October 2011). Contact Andrew Ludington on 020 8520 4919. www.churchhillchildren.org
- Lloyds Park Children’s Centre, Winns Ave E17 5JW – Last Saturday each month 10.00am to 12noon. Contact Chris Rowley on 020 8531 9522. www.thelloydparkcentre.co.uk
- Parkside Children’s Centre (formerly Ridgeway Park), Peel Close E4 6XQ – 10.00am to 12noon every Saturday. Contact Arron Frederick on 020 8529 3885. www.ridgewayparkchildrencentre.org.uk
To find your nearest Children’s Centre or other local activities have a look at the Councils online Children and Young People’s Directory www.walthamforest.childrensservicedirectory.org.uk
More information…
Useful websites with lots of information for fathers and fathers-to be are:
www.dad.info
www.dads-space.org
www.fatherhoodinstitute.org
