New group for separated Dads and kids

[AlexBuck]

Hi,

My names Alex. I'm looking to start a new group for separated Dad's and kids in South East London. It is early stages right now, as in I'm looking for similar Dads looking for a similar group.

My situation stands that I am father to my amazing daughter Scarlett who is 11 months old at the time of writing. I am separated from Scarlett’s mother. I have no fixed home address and have been couch surfing since I split from my partner, six months ago. I currently see my daughter once a week at the weekend, either Saturday or Sunday, unless I have a pre-arranged weekend away. I’m not here to complain about this, or to bang on about my rights or what I don’t have. The situation is what it is.

In the last few months, we’ve had awesome weather which makes it much easier when choosing activities for me and my daughter to enjoy. I’ve got my mind on the inevitability of the weather turning and how this will affect the choices I have. Whilst I do have friends that also have kids its a big ask to spend my whole day at theirs every week for the foreseeable future. My family don’t live close to me either, and a lot of the dad and kids groups in London only meet for a short amount of time. So, it’s time for me to do something about this.

This is what I want to create:

• a like-minded group of separated dads who have access to their kids at weekends
  a space where dads and kids can meet and spend the whole day there 10am – 6pm between September and March each year (South-east London)
  a space where food can be prepared and cooked, for adults and kids
  a space where kids can sleep if they want and the provision of travel cots provided
  a space where the dads can also enjoy their time
  a group that is collaborative, supportive, inclusive, empowering, fun and where everyone gets what they need
  the provision of toys for children
  age of kids doesn’t matter
  age of dads doesn’t matter
  minimal cost

I am open to suggestions on how this dad and kids group works. At this stage I am looking for guys who are in a similar situation to me so we can work together on putting it all together and making it happen. My aim is to have it all in place by mid-September. Better get moving then.

I would love to hear from any guys out there. Don’t be shy, get in touch. Even if you’re unsure. Let’s do it now! Look forward to hearing from you.

You can read more about me on my blog which I've set up specifically for this group here:
http://separateddadsandkidsgroupslondon.wordpress.com/

Cheers,

Alex and Scarlett

[Maria]

Hi Alex! there will be lots of others in our area keen on what you are hoping to set up... so desperately needed in Sydenham. Please keep an eye on the thread re Good place for a coffee in Sydenham - I wonder if what we are trying to do would interest you?

[Hannah]

Could you get in touch with the woman who organises Nature Play in Sydenham Hill Woods for advice? There is also a scout hut by the Dulwich Wood entrance - might be an option for shelter if weather isn't so good?

At Nature Play everyone brings a healthy snack to share at the picnic plus a cup/drink for kids & the organiser brings a thermos of hot coffee to share.

Or do Lewisham/Southwark Council have an adventure playground or 1 o'clock club/after school club/play bus/toy library your group could use for an allotted time/day? If so, they would have toys.

Good luck! I will direct SE London single dads your way.

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