Every Picture Tells a Story

About Andy

Andy originally comes from South Yorkshire but is very much at home in the East Riding. It was whilst studying at university that he became a father, perhaps little knowing at the time how much 'fatherhood' was about to play in his working life.

Initially he thought his future career lay with the media. However, having become aware and making use of the Sure Start services which aim to give every child a good start in life, his life followed a different direction.

Fathers' Worker

He's been a Fathers' worker with the independent charity, Children and Family Action since April 2007. During that time he's been involved in a variety of activities to help fathers support their children. Andy set up the Dads and Kids Group project after he identified the need for more opportunities for fathers to engage in positive activities with their children in Withernsea.

The aim is to address the issues of a lack of local services for fathers and their children. Andy does this by offering a series of fun and learning activities in the town. The range of activities is diverse and encompasses 'The Breakfast Club' which he instigated and has operated since October 2007.

A different beat

The picture is of a recent Dads and Kids Breakfast Fun Café. The drumming workshop was given by Lawrence from Zimbabwe and is just an example of what the project does. Other elements include sports skills sessions, organising trips for youngsters who have little opportunity to travel. They even have a community allotment.

All of these activities come at a cost and an important part of Andy's role is to obtain funding to support the educational and fun things he and the local Children's Centre is involved with.

Other interests

In addition to his work with the Dads and Kids Group project he also teaches Basic Skills English, runs the Crafty Kids parent and toddler group in Hornsea and supports parents with financial and relationship issues. He also assists in putting on the three day Withernsea Arts Festival.

He's also supportive too of other local initiatives including the Withernsea Grinderz which started this year. This non-profit organisation is looking to improve Withernsea's skate park facilities with the help of local people and businesses, not just for the people of Withernsea but for the whole of the Holderness area.

Andy is hopeful that the work of Children and Family Action based at the Shores Centre on Seaside Road in Withernsea will be able to extend its activities further into the Holderness community and that the Dads and Kids Group project also increases it's reach and range of activities. He enjoys his role very much and achieves a great deal of satisfaction knowing he's helping others get a good start in life.