16 October 2009
National Parenting week starts on Monday 19 October 2009. Parenting Support Services and the charity Brighter Futures have a series of events planned, with a particular focus on dads.
Patricia Tumelty, the head of the Bridge Centre, explains, "Today's dads do 8 times more caretaking of infants and very young children than fathers did 30 years ago. In the UK, on average, this is 2 hours every weekday so it is highly appropriate that we celebrate their new role."
Events planned for the week
22 October, Town Hall, 6.30 – 8pm
Evening of entertainment for dads- including the La Rocquier drama production on 'How teens see dads'. Concludes with Nick Clements and Tony Ivens from the UK giving a lively fun talk covering the historical context of their work with dads. Opened by the Education, Sport and Culture Minister, James Reed, and Patricia Tumelty, head of the Bridge.
23 October, The Bridge, 9.30 - 4pm
Conference for professionals working with dads. 'Thinking Fathers' delivered by Nick Clements and Tony Ivens. The speakers are interested in developing inclusive strategies to increase fathers' participation. Both are advisors to government and local authorities on social inclusion and large scale community development projects. Hosted by Jersey Association of Family Therapy in partnership with Parenting Support Services.
Throughout the week local schools are organising various activities that reach out to dads. The Housing Department are also supporting the events and will be in the Royal Square on Saturday 17 October distributing information from their trailer.
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