FATHERS struggling to cope with the demands of childcare are being offered a lifeline as part of a scheme which is the first of its kind in Darlington.

Grandfathers, stepfathers and other male carers are also being offered the chance to support each other with the demands of looking after children as part of the project, run by Sure Start and Cockerton and Branksome Living Enterprise (Cable). The aim is to build up a network of fathers and male carers in the town, who will offer mutual support, advice and encouragement.

The Fathers Network will be open to anyone in the North Road, Cockerton, Branksome and Skerne Park areas of Darlington, but David Regan, of Cable, said he hopes it will eventually be extended across the whole town.

Mr Regan came up with the idea after visiting a conference about fathers groups, and discovered there were no support networks for fathers in Darlington.

He said: "Dads might go down the pub and they talk about football, cricket, anything but their children.

"In my experience, fathers are only too happy to talk about their kid's first word, or first walk, but it is difficult for men to discuss it - there is a stigma and they are embarrassed or ashamed talking about childcare problems with their friends.

"In the environment we live in now there are many more fathers who may have been made redundant from the factories, who are staying at home with the children while the mothers work.

"It can be lonely and difficult for them, especially if they can't talk to anyone about it."

Mr Regan is hoping to collate some figures relating to the number of fathers and male carers in the Darlington area.

He said: "We haven't decided yet what format the group might take. It could be fathers bringing in their children and spending some quality time with them through activities, or just groups for fathers to get together and learn a new skill."

The scheme will also cater for fathers who only see their children at weekends, and Cable is looking at helping fathers who have been released from jail.

Anyone wanting more information can call Cable on (01325) 354084 or Sure Start on (01325) 487718 or 488176.