Who Needs Fathers?

Some of us might thing the answer to this question is obvious. But tonight sees the first of three documentaries on BBC2 about the effect on children of their parents' divorce. It will be interesting to see how the programmes answer the question.

BBC Switch

We received the following email from a BBC journalist who had interviewed Johnny and Charmaine last week.

Just to let you know that Charmaine and Jonny were on Newsbeat on Radio 1 this (Tuesday 23rd) lunchtime http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/b006wkry

...and also on our website http://www.bbc.co.uk/switch/revealed/?story=sextalk

and on BBC Breakfast too! They did really well. And Harmony looked lovely

Being technologically challenged I've no idea whether these clips can still be seen, but it might be worth a look.

Two new arrivals

Wednesday saw the arrival of two 'U-Too' babies. Ellie was born at 6.30 am, 8lbs 5ozs. So congratulations to Laura and Chris. Then Paige arrived a month early at 5lbs 1oz. So Max now has a little sister and Den and Lisa are going to have their hands full!

Ellie had to go back into hospital on Friday because she was jaundiced. Laura stayed in overnight with her but, although she was fortunate enough to have a room to herself, Chris was not allowed to stay with her. They found his exclusion very upsetting but, of course, there was nothing they could do about it. It's another example of the way in which young fathers are excluded at crucial times by health service professionals, and an illustration of how far we still have to go to make such services fully inclusive.

The Psychologist

Last year nearly 20 U-Too young dads completed a questionnaire about their lives and I wrote a paper which has finally appeared in this month's edition of The Psychologist. Details can be found on The Fatherhood Institute website at:
http://www.fatherhoodinstitute.org/index.php?id=13&cID=1071

or on The Psychologist's website at:
http://www.thepsychologist.org.uk/

More U-Too material can also be found on the FI website at:

http://www.fatherhoodinstitute.org/index.php?search=1&id=0&keyword=u-too&imageField.x=11&imageField.y=14

Sex and culture - worth talking about

This was the title of the event held in Exeter yesterday, organised by the Government Office South West. Mike, Den and Lisa presented a case study based on Dads Matter Too and the Arts Award. Needless to say, Den and Lisa stole the show! Here is some of the feedback they received:

"Really enjoyed hearing your heartfelt comments about the projects and what you got out of them. Some great messages to take back to my own area when trying to sell them the idea of developing similar projects locally. Good luck to you both and THANKS!”

“Well articulated, clear points. You have done a superb job of describing your project and the outcomes you have as a result”

“It was so good to hear Den & Lisa speak so fluently and reflectively about their experiences. A real boost to the event.

Mike wrestles with the mike
Den writes a receipt
Den and Lisa with their photos