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Care Opinion

Are dads missing out on sure start?

Posted By Lion

"Are dads missing out on sure start?"

About: Stapleford Children's Centre

(as a parent/guardian),

I have accessed sure start since the birth of my son and have really valued the experience of the groups they run along with the courses I have attended and the guidance they have offered.

The groups have helped support me as a first time mum and given me the opportunity to meet with other mum which has been invaluable.

The courses like first aid and baby massage have built my confidence as well as being very informative.

The guidance I have received has been second to none. The sure start team have been so supportive and have really helped me with finding help through one of the toughest times of my life, becoming a single parent to my baby boy; I can't thank them enough.

The one thing I think is missing from the service is the options for dads to attend; while I know everyone is welcome, dads often work and so their only available time is at weekends. Sure start was part of my bonding process with my little boy and I really feel that dads and working mums miss out.... I certainly feel like I would benefit from a weekend session at Surestart Stapleford but I do think that dads need their own seperate session.

The father of my son needs somewhere he can learn to play with his son, somewhere he can build confidence and I can't think of a better place than the place that helped and supported me, Stapleford Surestart. If there was flexibility at weekends maybe even the incredible years course too it would be a great opportunity.

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Responses

Response from Steve Lack, District Manager (Broxtowe Cluster), Sure Start Children's Centre, Health Partnerships 9 years ago
We are preparing to make a change
Steve Lack
District Manager (Broxtowe Cluster), Sure Start Children's Centre,
Health Partnerships

Submitted on 19/01/2015 at 11:33
Published on Care Opinion at 11:37

Hi Lion,

Many thanks for the suggestions and compliments you posted on the 'patient Opinion' website.

It is encouraging for managers and staff to hear what the impact the service offered at Stapleford has had. It certainly appears that the centre has helped you and your child in a number of ways by giving you extra confidence and providing support to you with parenting issues, thank you for this acknowledgement.

On the subject of services and support for Dads, I have spoken to the Children's Centre Coordinator and we are exploring the idea of a group specifically for Dads on a Saturday morning, similarly we are looking into offering a 'Parenting Course' on an evening targeting Dads. We are constantly reviewing the services we offer to identify how better we can meet the needs of local parents and in this way we welcome your suggestions.

Thank you once again for this posting (which I have shared with all staff), we are glad that we were able to assist with supporting you and your child in those early years.

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Response from Steve Lack, District Manager (Broxtowe Cluster), Sure Start Children's Centre, Health Partnerships 8 years ago
We have made a change
Steve Lack
District Manager (Broxtowe Cluster), Sure Start Children's Centre,
Health Partnerships

Submitted on 10/07/2015 at 14:34
Published on Care Opinion at 16:31

Hi Lion,

Since I last e-mailed you we have been making progress in terms of meeting the needs of Dads within the area, to provide them with the support to manage parenting issues more effectively. As a result of these plans which were 'triggered' by your initial posting we have recently delivered a behaviour management course on a Saturday aimed at Dads. The 1,2,3 Magic course focused on, cognitive therapy and behaviour management and teaches strategies aimed at changing behaviours. We are now planning others courses and activities on a weekend that working Dad's are able to participate in.

Thanks

Steve

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Response from Andy White, Training and Learning Facilitator, Children's Centres, Nottinghamshire Children and Families Partnership, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust 8 years ago
We have made a change
Andy White
Training and Learning Facilitator, Children's Centres, Nottinghamshire Children and Families Partnership,
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Submitted on 10/07/2015 at 16:38
Published on Care Opinion at 16:41

Hi Lion

We have a further 123 magic course planned to start in September @ Stapleford children's centre on Saturday 12th September 2015 10am - 12pm. please do get in touch with the centre for further details.

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