Working with men

People working with parents and carers in a range of services (Sure Start centres, children’s centres, pre-school, the Health Service) are predominantly female, and few are specifically trained to work with men. They may lack the confidence to actively involve male parents and carers.

Research has shown (and we know from experience) that, where the main male carer is involved with their children’s education, the children are more likely to reach their potential. In addition, where the main male carer has a good relationship with their children, those children are less likely to become involved in criminal activity as they grow up.

Involving Men as Fathers

ContinYou is offering an interactive ‘taster day’ that aims to increase awareness of, and explore, the issues relating to involving men when delivering services. The seminar day, which is delivered at your venue, is suitable for all children’s services personnel, and anyone working with parents/carers. The day covers:

• policy
• barriers
• men-friendly assessment tool
• organisation map
• environment
• images
• skills for working with men.

Cost: for up to 20 participants - £2,200 + vat, including all training resources.

Taster activity

Skills for working with men:
'Fathers’ workers do not have to be men. Working with fathers should be a collective role for the whole organisation. However, there may be a specialist lead within the organisation to take the strategy forward.'

Download a taster activity:

The role of a fathers' worker (30 KB)

Instructions for using this activity:

Get into small groups to discuss and complete handout 4. Then fill in any gaps and ask participants to think about who in their organisation has these skills.

Testimonials

'I got so much from the day. The course was excellent. It is always good to chew the cud with others ... and to have one's own practice and frustratioins challenged. I gained fresh impetus and renewed enthusiasm from everyone yesterday. There are many useful ideas and propositions to move the agenda forward in Blackburn with Darwen.'

(Kev Mott, Strategic Fathers Work Co-ordinator)

'I thought I would let you know that I did use the info learnt on your training day when helping to organise a Dads' group quiz night. We are hoping to engage new Dads to our existing group by holding this event. When we had a planning meeting I was able to think about the work we did around promoting Dads' activities - it was useful as we really thought about where we would put our flyers. We have gone for barber shops, take-away restaurants, local cafes, sports centres, pubs, as well as the usual shops, libraries, children's centres etc (this is not saying we think all fathers go to the pub and eat take-always!). I also attended the Dads' group on a Saturday morning (as I don't facilitate this group) and I was able to discuss with them a suitable time, day, venue etc and we have gone with most of their ideas as they were really good.'

(Jacqui Lane, Community Development Worker)

'I really enjoyed the training and considering that I filled a place that was booked for a colleague who couldn't attend due to sickness, I feel that I was priveleged to experience it.'

(Wendy Evans, Parentline Plus)

March 2010 seminars

Involving fathers in the delivery of services not only features highly in many policies, but has also been shown to positively influence children’s all-round development. This seminar will look at what needs to change and provides some tools to help practitioners.

We are currently offering this one-day course in five different locations around the country, during March 2010.

Please visit the events calendar for more information and to book a place.

Free publicity!

Free publicity for your family learning project! Tell us about your achievements, challenges and stories, and we’ll publish them on our website. Download the good practice template (Word file, 35KB) and send it back to us.