A playgroup that gives dads and their kids the chance to bond has been launched in Renfrewshire.


Organised by Home-Start Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, the aim is to help fathers and their tots spend quality time together by playing games and meeting other families.


Organisers also hope it will help to tackle the growing problem of loneliness.


Norma Martin, group facilitator of the project, said: “It is all about giving dads and their children under the age of five the chance to get together and have some fun, make friends and meet people in a similar situation to themselves.


“Not many dads go to parent-toddler groups, so hopefully we can change that.


“We’ll have arts and crafts and lots more. We’ll even do day trips, such as to the Fountain Gardens, in Paisley, to get the kids out and about.


“The plan is to get as many kids involved and to build friendships and let dads share their experiences with as many others as possible.


“The idea really came from the need to try to end loneliness in the area, which remains a huge problem for so many.


“To try to tackle the problem elsewhere, I founded the Good to Gab group in Erskine, which has grown to around 30 members since.


“I hope we can have the same success here.


“But, we are also really flexible and easy with what we do. I just want to know what the dads want to get out of it and we will make sure to meet their needs.”


The group meets at Home-Start’s base in Back Sneddon Street, Paisley, from 10am until noon on Saturdays.


It is free to take part and all dads and tots aged under five are welcome to attend.


For more information, visit the Home-Start Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Facebook page.