Fathers Plus: Active Dads Scheme - Darwen

An innovative scheme to help dads play a bigger role in their children’s lives is launched in Blackburn with Darwen today.

The Fathers Plus project aims to provide a range of new services and activities through schools and children’s centres that will appeal to dads and male carers and encourage them to have fun with their children.

It’s part of a new fathers strategy developed by the Council in line with national research showing that children perform better at school, have improved behaviour and are less likely to get into trouble with police when they have positive male role models in their lives.

The project is being launched at a special event at the Business Development Centre, Eannam Wharf, for organisations that provide services for children to find out about play and education activities that dads and children can do together.

Executive member for children’s services, Councillor Chris Thayne, said: “In Blackburn with Darwen we recognise how essential male role models are to families, and we understand the positive impact that they can have on their children’s lives.

“The launch of Fathers Plus will bring lots of opportunities to promote the role of dads and highlight their importance in the family. The project will seek to address gaps in services and activities making them more fathers friendly and easier to access.”

Peter Morgan, strategic director of children’s services, added: “We are ready to move forward with this commitment in the borough. As well as focussing on dads, the project will also include training for staff who support the provision of services and activities.”

For more information visit www.fathersplus.org