29-03-2025
Brixton: School dad's club tackles toxic masculinity
With Netflix smash hit Adolescence highlighting the devastation that can be wrought by toxic masculinity, a school dads club has been showing what positive role models men can Primary School Dads and Male Carers Club provides a space for men to connect, learn new skills, and spend quality time with their is celebrating its first anniversary having doubled attendance since opening - with an average of 57 dads, carers, and kids at each to the club it wants to counter the negative influence of harmful online content.
It was started by parents after the murder of Elianne Andam by teenager Hassan Sentamu in a row over a founder Scott Leonard said: "Primary school is so informative for young people, where they shape much of their thinking and behaviour."Just 14% of primary school teachers are male according to the Office for National Statistics.
"The more dads and male carers get involved, the more we can positively influence young minds and equip them with resilience and skills to create better future outcomes," Leonard told the David Kingsley said: "It's just to encourage positive masculinity within our space and within our sons and ensure they grow up as good role models within their communities... and also be good dads in the future as well."Seven-year-old Paddy who attends the club with his dad Johnny Kilgallon said: "I like really like my friends and doing Pokemon cards and doing activities."Quincy, aged seven, who goes to every session, said: "I love dads' club because I get to play games and make comics."
Kenneth Baffoe of Jessop Primary School, in south London, said: "We believe true strength lies in compassion, empathy, and active involvement in our community."The club, which has had funding from festival Brockwell Live and the London Cycling Campaign, is working to scale the club across other primary schools."Our long-term goal is to take the primary school dads and male carers club model nationwide," said Mr club has been shortlisted for a Lambeth Civic Award.
