The final countdown

U-Too dads held a final get-together in The Platform's old railway carriage in Swindon yesterday afternoon. The event was organised by Den, Mark, Steven, Lisa and Jenny as part of the leadership element of their Silver Arts Award. But it also acted as a farewell to U-Too, and a celebration of its dads' work. An exhibition containing photos taken by Lisa and Jenny, a very moving anti-war poem written by Steven, and an equally moving rap written by Den, was displayed. Steven read his poem, Den gave the first public performance of his rap, and Mike reminded everyone of their experiences and achievements with U-Too. These included:
TV appearances:
Chris and Laura, Lee and Tash, and Marcus and Charlotte.
Film appearances:
Will and Rorie, and Den and Lisa.
Appearances in a wide range of national and local publications:
Chris and Laura, Marcus and Charlotte, Stuart, Marcus (again), Anthony and Chelsey, Ben and Georgie, Pat, Den (again), Lisa (again), Steven, Lisa (yet again), Brett, Gareth and John, and all those who took part in the Dads Matter Too film, which now appears in the Fatherhood Institute's Invible Fathers resource pack.
Delivery of sessions and workshops at local, regional, and national conferences:
John, Gareth, Den, Lee, Mark, Pat, Lisa and Mike.
National award acceptance speech:
Marcus
Bronze Arts Award:
Den, Lisa, Marcus, Charlotte, Mark, Steven, Brett, April and Jenny.
Level 1 OCN Personal Budgeting & Money Management:
Dan, Will, Rorie, Josh and Stuart.
Level 2 course in Effective Parenting:
Chris, Laura and Rorie.
Awards:
The Prince's Trust South West Region Community Impact Award 2008 for "Dads Matter Too".
The Centre for Social Justice Award 2009 for "U-Too Dads".

Everyone who has been part of U-Too can be proud of this enormous range of activities and it's a reminder that young people, particularly those who may write themselves off, or may be written off by others, are capable of so much if they are given the opportunity to demonstrate their talents and abilities.










Here's the exhibition and Steven reading his poem. And here are the final countdowners. From L to R Laura with Ellie and Chris from Westbury, Steven from Swindon, Gail (U-Too director and writer of the young dads-to-be course), Jenny from Swindon, Jackie of Bayford Arts (PhD student - and our wonderful film-maker and blog creator), Den with Max, and Lisa with Paige, all from Swindon, Mark, also from Swindon, John from Paignton, April with Harvey and Brett from Swindon, Mike and Carolyn (U-Too directors), and Nick, Jade and Kiera from Devizes.
Dave and Hannah, Dan and Zuzu, all from Salisbury, Will and Rorie from Trowbridge, Stuart and Leia from Melksham, Chris and Josh, both from Calne, and Anthony and Chelsey from Cricklade all had other commitments. Just as well because the railway carriage only holds 30 at the most!