Dads support charity Dads Rock given £2,000 by STV children's appeal

The charity runs classes, mentoring and monthly outings.

DadsRockandSupportedYoungDadRecieveCheque(withBabiesMcKenzie(L)andMcKenna(R))2.jpeg Young dads supported by Dads Rock receive the award - with babies McKenzie and McKenna.

An Edinburgh charity supporting dads has been awarded £2,000 by the STV children’s appeal.

Community project Dads Rock aims to help all dads to feel supported and valued, recognising the important positive effect this has on their children’s wellbeing.

Founded in 2012 by Thomas Lynch and David Marshall, Dads Rock gives support to dads around Scotland.

The initiative began as weekly playgroups where men could learn from each other, build confidence and spend time with their children.

Dads Rock now offers classes including antenatal preparation, first aid training, music lessons and monthly excursions, as well as one-to-one mentoring for young dads aged 25 or under.

It has helped more than 300 people prepare for fatherhood by running blocks of classes in conjunction with NHS Lothian, covering what dads can expect in the delivery room as well as guidance on bathing newborns and changing nappies.

A free course run since February on ‘Raising Children with Confidence’ includes modules about supporting children’s mental health, creating positive relationships and attachments, listening and developing empathy, building resilience and safeguarding parental wellbeing.

The charity now feeds into local and national policy, and is part of the Scottish Government National Fathers’ Advisory Board.

Thomas Lynch, Service Manager at Dads Rock, said: “We want all of our children to have the best start - we know if they have the best start they can then outcomes later in life are better.

“Young dads are one of the most marginalised groups in society and our 1:1 work helps build their confidence, resilience and helps to improves outcomes for their children.

“It’s fantastic to receive this funding from the STV Children’s Appeal as it is vital to help us support vulnerable young dads in Scotland.”

Sir Tom Hunter, trustee of the STV Children’s Appeal, said: “Change comes from individuals, communities and charities with the commitment and drive to make a difference to those most in need.

“We at the STV Children’s Appeal are delighted to support Dads Rock and want to reiterate our thanks to those who raised funds – every penny you raise goes straight to charities like these to make a real difference.”

The STV children’s appeal raised £2.6 million in 2019 for children and young people in Scotland.

In the nine years since the launch of the project it has raised over £21 million, funding 1344 awards for projects in 32 local authority areas in Scotland.

The money raised has been funneled into providing benefits including warm clothes, food, opportunities, training and social and emotional support to over 100,000 children and young people.

Other beneficiaries of the STV Children’s Appeal in Edinburgh include The Yard, a children’s charity which offers an outdoor play area in Edinburgh where disabled children and young people can play and socialise.

Children and young people are welcome to bring friends and family to the centre, offering them a chance to join in or take the opportunity to rest and relax.