Project Update

Barnardos Dads R Us project

The Barnardos project Dads R Us was funded by the second round of Parenting Fund money in July 2006. It is part of Connecting Communities and is based at The Community House in Allenton, Derby. The project works across a large area of the city and its main aim is to provide formal and informal parenting support to dads or male carers and their children using community development principles. The project works to promote positive fatherhood and role models from step dads, granddads, uncles to older brothers.

There are two main threads of activities; community and school based. These include regular dads and children activities based in a variety of local community venues such as rocket making, Wacky Races Cars and football sessions with Derby County Football in the Community coaches. Dads enjoy spending time with their children and with other dads. One dad said

"The events are fun for both me and my children."

The dads themselves meet regularly to plan and organise the sessions and these are promoted widely to encourage as many dads and children to attend as possible. The project has also delivered formal parenting courses including 'Speak Easy' which broke new ground nationally with five dads and one mum gaining OCN qualifications. One dad said

"At Speak Easy we've also learned that there are all sorts of learning opportunities when you can give your children a positive message."

The project also works to encourage dads to get involved at schools and has run several school based activities, such as a 6-week dads and children fun football skills sessions. This was followed by a fun literacy course with dads and children working together, to improve literacy and learn new skills together.

The dads in the project worked with other dads across Derby to organise Derby's first ever Fathers conference, attended by some 80 dads and agencies promoting positive fatherhood. This year are again working with other Dads from Derby to organise and run a fun day to celebrate fatherhood, with lots of activities for dads and children to do together.

For more information please call Rachel Tandy or Richard Quigley on 01332 204895 or email Rachel.tandy@barnardos.org.uk Icon: Email address

For information on all Parenting Fund projects, please visit the Current Projects pages

Last updated: 31st January 2008 at 12:01:08