Building connections
with Fathers on Fridays

Building connections with Fathers on Fridays

Many families need help from time to time, and Parkerville Children and Youth Care’s Child and Parent Centres are there to provide that help. We offer a wide range of education, support and counselling services, through school and community outreach, that have been designed to create the best outcomes for children and families.

Co-located at independent school sites in Camillo and Langford, the Child and Parent Centres are a resource for the whole community. They specialise in the developmental needs of children and are designed to increase the capacity of families by helping parents provide appropriate experiences and a happy, healthy home environment for their children.

The Westfield Park Child and Parent Centre has proudly partnered with the Fathering Project to facilitate Fathers on Fridays, a playgroup that provides a fun and calm environment for dads to play and connect with their children and meet other dads in their community.

Fathers on Fridays creates a relaxed and comfortable playgroup environment for fathers and father figures to meet and connect with each other.

During the playgroup, fathers have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities with their children including arts and crafts, using sensory toys, activities to develop motor skills, playing musical instruments, imaginary play and outside play. Fathers on Fridays also gives those attending a safe space to voice concerns and in turn allow others to give advice based on their personal experiences.

In the short time this playgroup has been running we have seen amazing relationships form between fathers. Fathers have enjoyed connecting with others in the community and having some one-on-one time with their children in a supportive environment. Many of the fathers keep in contact outside of the group building on their friendships, organising play dates and supporting each other with advice about work, children or more generally.

Facilitated by David Walker from The Fathering Project, the Fathers on Fridays playgroup runs every fortnight from 9.00am-10.30am for dads with children aged 0-4 years. Upcoming 2022 dates include 7 October, 21 October, 4 November and 18 November.

We encourage fathers in the community to join in on the fun or simply to see what Fathers on Fridays is all about. There is no need to book as all walk-ins are welcome.