DADS are being asked to have their say about how to make childrens’ services in Dorset more father-friendly.

As an incentive, Dorset County Council is offering fathers the chance to win a £100 Tesco voucher for expressing their views on how to improve the county’s services.

Currently the county’s children’s centres offer support, information and advice to families with young children, as well as organising fun activities for children of all ages, but the council wants to make these services more father-friendly.

Fathers’ outreach worker Jonny Hoskins said: “Part of my job is to make sure children’s centres offer what dads want.

“As a dad myself, I understand that it is mostly mums that use children’s centres.

“Men are always welcome, but it’s hard to understand what dads actually want. This is why we are conducting the survey.

“I know that predominantly the childrens’ groups are run by women and a lot of mums attend and for some men this can be intimidating so we need to redress the balance.

“Please let us know what you think and we will try to make it more your cup of tea.”

In his bid to improve services for dads, Mr Hoskins has held various outdoor activities and days such as den building, trips to the Bovington tank Museum and an adventure hunting for creepy crawlies.

Mr Hoskins added: “The outdoor-based activities have been popular.”

For separated families the childrens’ centres can offer fathers various activities to take part in at weekends alongside their children.

To complete the survey you need to complete the online survey at dorsetforyou.com/consultationtracker or ask for a hard copy from the Childcare service by calling 01305 228444.

For more information about services for fathers in the area visit dorsetforyou.com/childrensservices