Support for Fathers at Gold Sure Start

At Gold Sure Start, we recognise the important role fathers play in their children’s early development. We actively encourage dads to take part in our programmes, groups and services, ensuring they feel welcomed, supported and included from pregnancy through to the early years.

Father?Friendly Groups and Activities

Daddy and Me Sessions

Gold Sure Start runs engaging Daddy and Me sessions on a Saturday once a month, offering dads dedicated time to bond with their children through fun, play?based activities.
These sessions give fathers the chance to:

• Build confidence in supporting their child’s development.
• Spend quality one?to?one time with their child.
• Meet other local dads in a relaxed setting.

 Inclusive Early Years Programmes

Fathers are welcome — and encouraged — to attend all Gold Sure Start early years programmes, including:

• Baby Massage (sessions specifically state “Mummys & Daddys welcome”)
• Stay & Play sessions
• Family learning workshops
• Developmental play programmes
• Health and wellbeing activities

These sessions support bonding, early communication and confidence-building for both dads and children.

 One-to-One Support for Fathers

Our Family Outreach Support Service is available to all parents, including fathers.
This can include:

• Guidance on parenting and behaviour management
• Emotional support
• Help accessing other services
• Support with attending appointments
• Tailored advice for young fathers or first?time dads

Support can be provided at home or in a Sure Start centre, depending on family needs.

 Encouraging Active Father Involvement

From antenatal programmes to early childhood groups, Gold Sure Start promotes father involvement by:

• Welcoming dads at all groups
• Creating father?friendly spaces
• Including fathers in family communication and planning
• Making sure staff engage equally with mums and dads
• Offering flexible programmes suited to working parents