New dads in Glasgow are to be given hands-on experience in looking after their wee ones ahead of their arrival with the help of a charity.
Dads Rock was launched by Thomas Lynch after he realised there wasn't a lot of help available for to-be fathers. He initially decided to start a playgroup with the charity now expanding to offer workshops, classes, and a supportive group chat.
The group is set to hold an ante-natal class for Glasgow dads next week.
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Thomas told Glasgow Live: "Myself and another dad had a chat about 10 years ago, we couldn't find much support for dads in Edinburgh, so we decided to start a play group.
"It's all kind of expanded from there really, we now work in Glasgow and Edinburgh."
Hundreds of new fathers have been supported by the service.
Dads Rock offers workshops and classes regarding the basics of parenthood.
They also ease the concerns and worries many have when met with the daunting task of raising a child.
The founder said: "We've delivered these classes for six or seven years, initially with the NHS and then delivering it ourselves.
"The uptake and interest have been really good.
"It's clear that there is a lot of support and information new parents need.
"Our classes are free and it gives dads some practical hands-on experience of changing nappies and how to bath a baby.
"We also talk to them about what it means to be a dad and feeding and anything else they want to talk about.
"We want to give them information, alleviate any concerns and get them ready for a baby coming along."
Many fathers are aware that during pregnancy and following childbirth mothers will receive most of the attention.
The Edinburgh-based charity provides central belt dads a safe area to chat.
Thomas explained: "Dads understand that a lot of the focus is on mums but a lot of times they didn't feel like there was a space for them to speak about becoming a dad, what that means and how to look after the wee one.
"So we have our workshops, we've got our dads WhatsApp group, we just want to make them aware that there is things there.
"When you become a parent you have to go to these groups, get out and do things with your kids.
"Our dad's WhatsApp group has been good over the last few years, and that is open to any dad who wants to join.
"We have hundreds of dads in the group who talk about a whole range of things.
"It's just about peer support and about helping each other."
As for the upcoming class in Maryhill this Monday, dads should expect to be given a hands-on experience
The 48-year-old said: "It will give dads the chance to roll their sleeves up and get involved with some nappies and get in about with some bathing.
"They will learn how to look after a baby and simple stuff like how to hold a baby, understanding about sleep and feeding.
"It's about providing a space to do that and be together with other dads."
You can sign up for the class here.
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