Bristol Dads

You may recognise Josh from Ukulele Tots and this interview. He has now set up Bristol Dads, a network for the fathers of Bristol. 

What does Bristol Dads provide for the dads of Bristol?
Bristol Dads works with children centres and community groups to promote fathers and their families. Our team of creative freelancers and volunteers produce apps, articles, graphics, videos, audio recording, websites and social media to help dads navigate their way through modern fatherhood. We also run a range of activities including DIY and construction projects, monthly dads’ groups, peer support programs, fatherly skills workshops, mountain biking and sports activities, ukulele baby sessions and community gardening.

What’s the aim of Bristol Dads?
Our aim is to create a network of mutually supportive fathers in Bristol. Mothers have great networks both online and offline. Whether it’s breastfeeding or dealing with sleepless nights, mothers seem to naturally help each other out. My wish is for dads in Bristol to be able to work together to build similar networks. The benefits of doing so include: a sense of belonging, more father-child time, building new friendships and creating a great example for children, seeing dads as carers, more men changing nappies, providing emotional support and nurturing.  If we want to live in a society in which men and women are truly equal, in work, in social life and as parents, then we need to have a good hard look in the mirror and ask ourselves, are we reflecting our own values? Do we encourage nurturing? Are there adequate provisions for fathers – could there be specialised services for dads-to-be, increased paternity leave, and easier, flexible working?

What has the response been to Bristol Dads?
We get great feedback from both mums and dads and a real sense that more work like this is needed. The mums particularly get excited about Saturdays. I guess it’s the thought of getting a morning to themselves. There are a lot of dads that are put off by the thought of going to ‘dad group’. Perhaps they think that we will make them hold hands and sing in a circle. Most dads, once they’ve come to one group, find they have completely changed their opinion. 

What’s the future for Bristol Dads?
Funding! We are documenting and evaluating the Dadly Arts events with the hope to find funding for five more events around Bristol. I’m currently looking for a collaborator with experience writing grant applications. We have got great evidence for our work. 

How can dads attend one of your events? 
The next Dadly Arts event is at The Redcliffe Children’s Centre on July 11, from 10:30am – 12:30. Neil Croom (who runs Redcliffe’s Dad’s Group) and I will be putting on the event along with our team of volunteer dads. We will be running activities and games aimed at the whole family. We are particularly looking forward to meeting new dads and dads-to-be. Activities for the event include: the science of ice-cream, nappy changing race and early years wood work. 

I also run a dad’s group for all children up to seven years old at Compass Point Children Centre in Bedminster on the first Saturday of every month, from 10:30am – 11:15am. Our past activities have included: bird box building, pizza making, cardboard car making and forest school. For the next dad’s group on June 6, we will have a drum-making project and drum circle. The group has a great turn out, with an average of about 18 dads. We welcome newcomers – it’s a very friendly and open group. 

Compass Point School and Children’s Centre.
South Street, Bristol, BS3 3AU  
£1 donation at the door.
www.compasspoint.bristol.sch.uk
www.bristoldads.weebly.com