These are groups that Families First have partnered with and we have visited. We have seen the play and stay, toddler group set up which from what fathers have to us they feel comfortable taking their children (mainly 0 to 5’s). This includes a friendly welcome, a large space and generally there are dads attending but cannot be guaranteed. These groups are aware of our work supporting fathers.
West
Soft Play Sedburgh Road - All Saints Church Hall SO16 9HJ – Mondays 9.30am to 11.00am. active soft play under 5’s, no charge.
Family Point Ashby Centre - Stratton Road Shirley SO15 5QZ – Thursdays 10am to 11.45am (every week) No charge, under 5’s stay and play with Child Health Clinic. (usually lots of dads).
Tadpoles - St James Methodist Church, St James Road, Shirley SO15 5HE – Wednesdays 1pm to 2.30pm, term time. More info: tadpoles@stjamesroad.co.uk
Central
Poppins - 69 Above Bar Street SO14 7FE - Every Monday and Tuesday 10am to 11.30am term time - Games and toys for the toddlers, and coffee and a chance to catch up and share news for the parents, who come from all over the city. Contact Tel: 023 8022 8275 Email: office@abovebarchurch.org.uk
Jump Around - 286 Burgess Road Swaythling SO16 3BE - Fridays 10-11:30am Children under five can play on bouncy castles, crash mats and soft play equipment while parents and carers catch up over a drink in the café area. £2 per family. Email: admin@citylife.org.uk
Tiny Treasures - Central Hall, St Marys SO14 1NF - Wednesdays 10am to 11.30am 50p a family including children’s fruit and drink. Email: central@newcommunity.org.uk. A toddler group with play, crafts, activities, singing and refreshments for children, and coffee and chat for the adults. The group also organises lots of seasonal events and days out each year, including nativity services, parties, picnics, farm visits, and activity centre mornings.
Portswood Pods - Portswood Church Toddler Group (opposite Waitrose) SO17 2FW - Term-time only Tuesday 10.00-11.30a.m. Contact 023 8039 9658 Email: admin@portswood.org.uk 0 months to 5 years. Charge £1.50 per family for drinks, fruit, biscuits and craft.
East
Stay and Play - St. Andrews, 204 South East Road, Sholing, SO19 8LW. Plenty of fun and creative activities for pre-school children, opportunities for friendship and conversations for parents and carers. Every Friday, 10-11.30am, term-time only. Cost: £1 per family per week. Email: sholing@newcommunity.org.uk Tel: 023 8023 7700
Just dads and men who provide care for children groups
Deliberately Active Dads - Usually meet outdoors but based at 286 Burgess Road SO16 3BE. Monthly on the second or third Saturday (by agreement) from 10.30am. Age range of children 3 to 10 years. Email Dan: danp@citylife.org.uk
Who let the dads out - St James Methodist Church, St James Road, Shirley SO15 5HE. Great food (bacon rolls), tea, coffee and meet other dads Saturday morning once a month usually the second Saturday best to Call Brian: 02380321303 or Email: wltdo@stjamesroad.co.uk
Lego Dads Breakfast at Burgess Road Library - Plenty of constructional lego building fun for dads/carers and children. Second Saturday of the month 9.30am to 11.30am £1 donation for fruit, bacon rolls, coffee or tea. Call Nigel: 07427289813 or Email: nigel@familiesfirstsouthampton.org
Weston Family Lego Building Club - At the YMCA community Library, Weston Lane, SO199GR every month on the last Wednesday. All the family are very welcome of any age, we particularly encourage Grandparents and Dads. Call Nigel: 07427289813 or Email: nigel@familiesfirstsouthampton.org