FATHERS are being encouraged to spend quality time with their children as part of a new scheme in Ipswich.The SaturDads initiative, which has been launched by the South East Ipswich Sure Start Children's Centre, offers fathers from the Gainsborough, Greenwich, Priory Heath and Racecourse areas the chance to take their children to the centre on the first Saturday of every month.

FATHERS are being encouraged to spend quality time with their children as part of a new scheme in Ipswich.

The SaturDads initiative, which has been launched by the South East Ipswich Sure Start Children's Centre, offers fathers from the Gainsborough, Greenwich, Priory Heath and Racecourse areas the chance to take their children to the centre on the first Saturday of every month.

Fathers can enjoy an array of fun-based activities to help strengthen their bond with their children and to allow them to play an important part in their development.

Activities include outplay facilities, messy play sessions, cake making and interactive singing and play sessions.

It also gives dads the chance to meet other fathers so they can share their problems and discuss experiences.

Staff at the centre are also on hand to give fathers support and advice on how to improve their parenting skills.

To encourage those who may lack confidence, partners are welcome to attend too.

The sessions were launched in June and at the last SaturDads held earlier this month more then 20 people attended.

Judy Bailey, Sure Start health visitor, said: “We want to encourage fathers to make use of the facilities we offer and so we offer this service making it available for fathers and those who are working through the week.

“These sessions can help fathers to play and interact with their children, therefore becoming more confident to play an important part in their child's development.

“We do offer advice and support, but the main thing is these sessions show what an important role fathers have in their children's upbringing. It also brings fathers together so they can share experiences and offer each other advice and support.”