The programme has been running in the North East region and has gained national recognition for its success in engaging fathers in Children's Centre activities and improving outcomes for fathers and their families..

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The health of fathers is clearly of great importance for both the individuals concerned and for the general well-being of their families. Nevertheless, fathers? health problems, indeed male health issues generally, have often been overlooked. Typically, health and welfare professionals have tended to concentrate the limited public resources available for helping families upon programmes that are aimed at assisting mothers to cope with the stresses and strains associated with bringing up children, particularly for those on a low budget and in difficult social circumstances.

This situation is, however, changing. The SureStart programme in the NE over the past year has run a number of highly successful health and fitness courses designed specifically for fathers. These courses, run by Sean Dooney of Mind/Body Fitness Consultants in association with SureStart, provide general fitness training and awareness, as well teaching a range of practical skills that help fathers to handle stress and foster relaxation.

Sean, a former European Thai Boxing champion, focuses the course upon Thai fitness activities and meditation techniques which provides participants with a framework for taking control over their own physical and mental Health. The use of these authentic eastern techniques is both great fun and also helps to calm and discipline the mind and hence to control disruptive emotions such as fear and anger.

The group activities and discussion sessions provide fathers with opportunities to focus upon important family issues and concerns and allows them to discuss male health issues in a friendly and non-judgemental environment.