A TEAM of dedicated dads has come together to set up Swindon’s first father’s and children’s group.

Dads About is a new social club that provides fathers with a place to chat, share advice and support and entertain their children with fun and games.

The group meets on the first and third Saturday of each month from 10am until 11.30am at Butterflies Family Centre, Abbey meads, and is on the hunt for new members.

One of the organisers Jonathan Horsley, 36, of Haydon Wick, said: “I had the idea last year when my son Alex was born. I noticed that there wasn’t much support out there for fathers and so I decided to look into starting a group. A few people said it was a really good idea, so I went with it.”

At the moment there are just three members, but Jonathan hopes they can soon expand.

“We want to take it forward and get lots of other fathers involved,” he said.

“It’s really good for the children because they get to interact with other kids their age and it gives our wives some time to themselves and a chance to do what they want to do. We want fathers to open up a little bit and not think that they need to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders.”

Jerry Charleston, 38, from North Swindon, said: “I think it’s a great thing. My wife goes to a few mother and baby groups during the week and I don’t get the same opportunity to see my son in a group environment.

"It’s really important for dads to spend time with their kids and this is a great way of doing it.

"I like to think that more fathers feel the same and that more people will come along and join us. There are many things we can do and if different dads have different interests or skills we can really utilize that.”

Third group member Sebastian Szczesny, who recently moved to Swindon from Staffordshire, said: “My wife thinks it’s good that she’s able to get a break for a while.

“She goes to play groups and this is a way for me to bond with the children.”

As well as meeting twice a month at Butterflies, the group also plans to take trips out on other Saturdays.

For more information contact Jonathan Horsley at jonhorsley32@gmail.com