Supporting Young Fathers Network
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Sure Start, Berwick-upon-Tweed - Group Work
The Sure Start Borough outreach team is colocated at Wooler Fire Station but also operates out of a number of satellite venues across the borough. Jan Marshall (midwife) runs ante-natal classes for (young) fathers-to-be in rural Northumberland. Sessions are held in the evening to accommodate working hours, and held at the local maternity department. Personal invitations to fathers-to-be are given during ante-natal home visits to engage fathers early in the process. The group is needs led and starts by asking the fathers what they want from the sessions.A number of specific activities designed to stimulate discussion and learning about pregnancy and fatherhood include:
- creating a 'things to do list' ready for the birth and afterwards
- ice breaking activities (e.g. sharing due dates, proposed names of babies, hopes about being a father etc.)
- providing handouts on specific advice for expecting fathers (e.g. what to bring to the birth, ways of supporting his partner etc.)
- providing lists of useful websites and contact details
- information handouts on pregnancy and breast feeding
- exercises on 'hopes' and 'fears' about fatherhood
- practical activities on money, respective parenting roles, sexual issues, and social needs
- discussion of feelings about pregnancy and fatherhood
- information on child development such as what babies can and can't do.
Contact:
Jan Marshall (Midwife)
Tel: +44 (0)1668 283 372
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