Welcome to Year of the Dad 2016! We hope you’ve had a fabulous festive break.
Now 2016 is upon us, and the long-awaited launch approaches. We’re looking forward to working with you in 2016 YEAR OF THE DAD - celebrating the difference a great dad can make!
IT’S YOUR YEAR
After some market research and stakeholder consultation, we’ve gained some valuable insight into how to support you in making Year of the Dad a success. Here at HQ we’re only a small team of people and we’re so glad to have you on board! We're busy building a supporters’ pack, but in the meantime, here are three ways you can help:
- Show your support by downloading one of our supporter’s badges here for your website or social profile and link to www.yearofthedad.org.
- Let us help you - Invite us to come and support your events and conferences. We want to tell people about your events, positive stories, examples of best practice – so don’t be shy and tell us what you are doing and we would love to come and take part!
- Spread the word - on social media – twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram and LinkedIn – and use the hashtag #yearofthedad wherever possible.
READY TO LAUNCH
We are now focusing on the official launch of Year of the Dad which is taking place on Sunday 24 January. Many of you told us that you wanted to support YOTD through digital media; this is a great opportunity to spread the word. A press release will be uploaded onto the website and keep your eyes peeled for Year of the Dad stories on line and in the press and share with as many people as possible. We will also be launching the YOTD supporters’ pack so you can start face to face discussions within your organisations and your wider community.
CONFERENCE: WHO LOVES YOU DADDY
As part of the first ever Year of the Dad in 2016, Fathers Network Scotland in collaboration with the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships are hosting a conference on Friday 12th February 2016.
The conference aims to be a day of reflection, dialogue and stimulation for academics, policy-makers, diversity and inclusion leaders and practitioners. The day will highlight the positive contribution fathers make to children, families, communities and society as a whole.
After an overview of families and fathers in Britain, there will be four simultaneous streams of conversations: ‘what children need from fathers’, ‘what mothers want from fathers’, ‘what fathers need at work’ and ‘what fathers need in adversity’. The afternoon session will reflect on these streams and their recommendations. This will then feed into Year of the Dad activities in 2016.
Find out more here.
DADDY WORKSHOPS
Are you a first time dad? Want to learn new skills in maintaining a healthy balance between your home and work commitments?
Research overwhelmingly shows that children and families benefit from the positive involvement of dads. We all know that work and family life can have conflicting demands, and dads want to know how best to spend their time with their children and how to continue good relationships at home and work.
We are looking for dads with 1 child under 2 years old, in employment and a relationship to participate for a one off pilot workshop. The workshop is free for you attend and we just ask for feedback on your experience after the event.
Find out more here.
That’s all for now. But we’ll be in touch soon with more details.
Thanks so much for your support.