Do you work with children, young people and their families? Would you like to develop links with more fathers and male carers in your area?

The Children’s Centre Practice Guidance from the DfES and the New National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services both stress the importance of engaging fathers and male carers in achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.

As part of NE Fatherhood week (6-13th February 2006), the Children North East Fatherhood Centre in Partnership with the North East Museums Hub will be holding a major fatherhood event in the Metrocentre, Gateshead.

Incorporating the family man display from the museum of fatherhood, arts and crafts event, prize draws and much more, the event offers an opportunity for practitioners from around the North East region to engage with some of the hundreds of thousands of fathers and male carers who visit the Metrocentre each week.

There will be a high profile opening for the event attended by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle (tbc) and covered by regional media.

What do I do now?

We are looking for expressions of interest from potential partners who would like to exhibit on one or more days at the event or who have other resources to offer. We are also inviting groups of dads and children to attend the opening of the event by a local celebrity.

If your organisation would like the opportunity to take part and develop links with local fathers as well as benefit from the PR surrounding the event and NE Fatherhood Week then contact Eileen@WorkingwithFathers.com or phone 0845 130 7225.

About the Family Man Display

The Family Man touring art display is available to loan free of charge to organisations in the North East Region from December 2005 (available to projects across the UK at transport cost)

‘Family Man’ is a display developed by local schools, the North East Regional Museums Hub, Beamish Open Air Museum and Children North East exploring the importance of fatherhood. If you work with, or would like to be working with, fathers and male carers, the ‘Family Man’ display offers a unique opportunity. The display will give you the tools you need to encourage contact with families and fathers in your area. Why not have a ‘Family Man’ day at your school or centre or a special ‘Family Man’ Museum trip? The possibilities are endless.

The Children North East Regional Resource Centre for Fatherhood will also be offering free introductory workshops to accompany the exhibition for practitioners in health, early years and education on the importance of engaging fathers and male carers. For more information or to book a workshop contact the centre on 0845 130 7225, ask@workingwithfathers.com