Support for young fathers
Works to expand Watergate School and provide a new adventure playground and multi-use games area on the Dumps site started on Monday 14 April, with the removal of the old adventure play equipment scheduled to start on Tuesday 22 April.
As part of this project, a new and improved adventure play facility will be provided, along with a high-quality multi-use games area and adjacent natural play space.
The project is expected to reach completion in late spring 2026, with play facilities available for the summer holidays and school facilities open for the start of the autumn term. Throughout the works, every effort will be made to minimise disruption to the school and local community, and youth service provision will continue onsite for as long as feasibly possible.
Future Dads
Future Men is a voluntary organisation contracted to provide Future Dads which gives support and advice to expectant and new fathers including those under 25 years, living in the borough.
Future Dads is a one-day course for new and expectant dads. It demonstrates practical and emotional approaches to taking care of themselves, their partner and their baby. The course offers space for men to come together to share their concerns, excitement and expectations of becoming a dad. Topics covered include:
- practical skills
- being a dad
- relationships
- self-care
A midwife will also be on hand to answer your questions about the birth and beyond.
Fathers' Programme
Future Men also provide one-to-one and group support for fathers and male caregivers including mentoring and provision of information and guidance in relation to parenting as well as practical support on:
- parenting
- education, training and employment
- housing needs
This service is open to all fathers and male caregivers with a child aged under 2 years old, who live in Lewisham or have a child/children who live in Lewisham.