Dads Rock run the only free playgroups for Dads in Edinburgh. In 2018 our playgroups supported 154 Dads and their children from different cultural backgrounds to come together and learn from each other. This helps them feel more a part of the local community and less isolated.

The playgroups are fun and positive places where dads/male carers can bring their young children aged 0-5 years. We play together, learn to draw, read stories, count, investigate, go on trips, make pancakes, generally mess about and have a great time. We also provide a healthy snack, and invite the dads to participate in story time and songs. Friendships develop between dads, between dads and kids and between the families attending. They also indirectly support mums by providing dads and their children the opportunity to spend quality time together to help strengthen relationships.

Through attending our playgroups dads tell us they feel more resilient from having stronger attachments to their children and their relationships are positive and rewarding. It has been proved that this is beneficial to children, as it helps with their attainment at school improving chances in later life. From making friends with other dads and supporting each other they also feel more confident and more able to be an active parent.