Dads Rock at Shortlees Early Childhood Centre
Shortlees Early Childhood Centre held a special family fun day to mark Scotland's return to the World Cup and the Dads Rock group dropped by to join in the football fun.
Dads Rock is an innovative local group funded by the Scottish Government and the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund. The group has been commissioned by East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), and the Council to provide much needed support to dads in East Ayrshire.
This unique partnership sees Dads Rock workers embedded within Children and Family Health teams working with health visiting, midwifery and social work to provide bespoke one to one support for dads and their families at home and in communities.
The key to Dads Rock is ensuring that no dad has to figure out parenthood alone. Their one-to-one support is friendly and non-judgmental – it’s focused on building confidence and getting practical help. In addition, there is an Ayrshire WhatsApp group, regular dad trips and free parenting workshops including dads antenatal, first aid for babies and toddlers, and raising children with confidence. There are also online workshops for dads.
Councillor Elaine Cowan, Spokesperson for Education, and Children and Young People attended the football fun day with Carol McGregor, Early Years Service Manager. She said: “Dads Rock is delivering a targeted, father-centred support programme in East Ayrshire aimed at strengthening family resilience and improving outcomes for children. What this means is that we are supporting local dads through funding for Dads Rock, and to be clear it doesn’t have to be biological dads - we’re supporting men who fill a father role in a family, with advice and a non-judgmental listening ear helping them to be the best they can be.
“Children need their dads, I know how much I still rely on mine, to provide stability and love, and evidence shows that a present and positive male role model improves the outcomes of children.”
Ryan Warren said: "Expanding our Ayrshire-based services has been a dream for some time. Finally, we are here and have lots of great opportunities for Dads to connect with their children and other dads. Our one-to-one work is shaped around you and your family so if you want to connect to that please speak to your Health Visitor.”
What you need to know:
The weekly dads group in Kilmarnock is held at 6pm every Monday in the Baby Sensory Room at My5s Football. Sign up online
Summer of fun events – email gordon@dadsrock.org.uk to sign up!
1 July - Dean Castle Country Park – 3pm
Join us to explore the stunning woodland trails, head over to the animal park to see the resident deer, rare-breed sheep, and llamas, and let the kids run wild on the adventure playground. It’s completely relaxed—just a great excuse to get outside, let the kids burn off some energy together, and grab a coffee from the café.
Meet at the Dean Road Car Park, Dean Castle Country Park, Dean Rd, Kilmarnock
8 July - Kilmarnock Fire Station visit – 3pm
This is a great opportunity for dads and their children to visit a local fire station, meet real firefighters, and learn more about the important work they do. You’ll get a chance to explore the fire engines, see the equipment up close, and maybe even try on some gear!
Fire Station, 33 Campbell St, Kilmarnock KA1 4HL
15 July - Dads and kids football – 3pm
No better way to burn off some energy, score some goals, and skip cooking dinner? Bring the kids down for a casual afternoon of football at My5s Football. We have a pitch to ourselves for 2 hours followed by a well-earned pizza and drinks. Don't worry if you haven't kicked a ball in years—the focus is entirely on having fun!
My5s Football, Kilmarnock, KA1 3XF (Behind ASDA)
22 July - Dads and kids FootGolf at Caprington – 3pm
Leave the golf clubs at home—all you need is a pair of trainers and your best kicking foot. If you haven't played before, FootGolf is a fantastic, casual sport that replaces golf balls with footballs—no experience or special skills required! We’ll head out in groups to tackle the course, which takes approximately 1 hour to complete. Because of the length of the stroll around the greens, this event is best suited for children of walking age.
Caprington Golf Club, Ayr Rd, Kilmarnock KA1 4UW
29 July - Dick Institute trip – 3pm
Join us for a visit to The Dick Institute where we'll see everything from Samantha the Dinosaur and Brian the Lion to a 400-million-year-old scorpion fossil and old-school prison uniforms.
The Dick Institute, Elmbank Ave, Kilmarnock KA1 3BU