We are delighted to announce that we have received funding from the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme and Dad Matters to employ a new Dad Matters Coordinator to support Dads and male carers across the Bradford District.
So, without further ado, we would like to introduce you to Mohammed Khan, who has been successful in securing the coordinator role.
The Dad Matters coordinator role at Home-Start Bradford District will support expectant Dads, Dads and male carers to have the best possible relationship with their children. They will work closely with other professionals within the Bradford District to collectively foster better support for Dads in their parenting journey.
The coordinator will be a male friendly ear to listen to anxieties and stresses and they will work with Dads and male carers to access services and information to help them make sense of being a Dad.
We caught up with Mohammed to find out more about his hopes and vision for his new Dad Matters Coordinator roles.
HSBD: Why did the Dad Matters Coordinator role appeal to you?
Because I fully believe in this role and the attachment between a Dad and child is essential as this influences the child throughout life and adulthood. A Dad providing reassurance, connection and spending quality time with their child has a positive effect on confidence and other social connections.
HSBD: What does your Dad Matters Coordinator role involve?
Providing support to Dads and encouraging and guiding them to create a good attachment and bond with their child.
HSBD: What is the first thing that you want to ‘hit the ground running’ with?
To support Dads and make links with partner agencies where Dad’s attend.
HSBD: What are you most looking forward to?
I am simply looking forward to supporting Dads in the best way according to their individual needs.
What do you think you bring to the role?
Having worked on the Resilient Dads programme with Better Start Bradford gave me great experience of issues that Dads face and the importance of their involvement in their child’s life. Part of this programme involved a very informative and detailed input by a psychologist showing the importance and ways of developing a positive bond between dad and child and this really inspired me in applying for this role.
HSBD: As a dad yourself, what do you find challenging about being a Dad that other Dads will identify with?
I am a father of two daughters and one son, one of whom is autistic, and this has given me valuable and varied parenting experiences.
