Hansard

I congratulate Gordon MacDonald on securing today’s debate and on enabling us to celebrate the notable achievements of Dads Rock, a charity that provides an ever-flourishing support and a lively social scene for fathers and their children. The brainchild of two Edinburgh dads—Thomas Lynch and David Marshall—Dads Rock was an inspired and innovative response to the view that there was not much in Edinburgh specifically for dads and their children.

Thinking back to my time on the mother and toddler circuit, I found that to be a supportive experience. The circuit gave structure to the day and enabled mums and children alike to make friendships that have lasted to this day. I say “mother” and “mums” because I cannot recall ever bumping into a dad there, although I should say that he would have been made very welcome indeed.

As often happens, the people on the ground who have experienced the lack of a necessary and important service have taken action to address the problem. Based in Sighthill, Dads Rock has now expanded into Granton and, as we have heard, is working on setting up a base in Fife. For an organisation that has celebrated only one birthday, that is truly impressive.

We know that such groups provide a lifeline for many parents. In bringing together stay-at-home parents and those who have gone back to work, Dads Rock brings together people who might never bump into one another in their normal day-to-day routine. The chance to share experiences of parenthood and to compare notes is just as invaluable for fathers as it is for mothers.

At the local toddler groups that I attended, I met many women who remain firm friends to this day. When one of us—not me, I should point out—had finally had that first full night’s sleep, we listened with awe to how that wonderful achievement had been arrived at. The point is that it is great to learn from people who are experiencing what we are experiencing. It is important that we make that possible for all the dads in the community, too.

When I looked online prior to today’s debate to see what access dads have to such clubs, I found that I was more likely to read postings such as “My partner’s finding it tough as he doesn’t know any other stay-at-home dads” or “Some dads go to ‘normal’ toddler groups.” Such comments really highlight the need for a group such as Dads Rock. Many men feel uncomfortable at the thought of attending what are still too often regarded as mother and toddler groups. In time, that will no doubt change, given that The Daily Telegraph reported in January that the number of stay-at-home fathers reached a record high last year. It is important that we ensure that dads have access to groups in which they feel comfortable and welcome.

Dads Rock notably provides opportunities at the weekend that give dads and their children the flexibility to do something different with their children when they are not in school. As we have heard, Dads Rock academy will provide local children with free music tuition. The well-documented merits of music tuition have been debated at length in the Parliament, but the Dads Rock version will involve dad learning an instrument, too. That is a fantastic example of lifelong learning.

As Graeme Dey touched on, Dads Rock’s first visit of the year saw a great gathering of dads and children head to the national museum.

As the membership of Dads Rock is increasing all the time, I have absolutely no doubt that the organisation will go from strength to strength. In these challenging times, the opportunities that Dads Rock provides are vital for dads and their children. No matter what their circumstances, Dads Rock gives them a place to go, relax and play, and just to be together. Dads Rock’s social media savvy shows how skilled it is at engaging with the wider community. I believe that we will hear a great deal more about this wonderful project, which is a model of real community empowerment.

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