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Dads club in Brixton tackles toxic masculinity

BBC Dad’s club founder Scott Leonard with head teacher Ken BaffoeBBC
Club founder Scott Leonard, pictured with head teacher Ken Baffoe on the right, wants to positively influence young minds

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 be.

Jessop Primary School Dads and Male Carers Club provides a space for men to connect, learn new skills, and spend quality time with their children.

It is celebrating its first anniversary having doubled attendance since opening - with an average of 57 dads, carers, and kids at each session.

According 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 teddy.

Club 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.

David Kingsley with twins Zuhayr and Zayyir, both seven
David Kingsley and twins Zuhayr and Zayyir, both seven, attend a dad's club that promotes positive masculinity

"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 BBC.

Dad 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."

Seven year old Paddy and his Dad Johnny Kilgallon
Seven year old Paddy, pictured with dad Johnny Kilgallon, likes playing with Pokemon cards at the club

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 Leonard.

The club has been shortlisted for a Lambeth Civic Award.

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