Introducing the Dad Design Challenge!

We've launched a new Design Challenge that aims to help more dads become actively engaged in their child's early years. 

We know that dads are often left feeling alienated by early years services. Cultural, economic and social pressures can make them feel like the less important parent, which can leave dads feeling unsure about how to best support their new baby. Research shows that involving dads improves a child’s speech, development, physical activity and social confidence.

Our new Challenge aims to help dads actively engage with their children in the early years.

Who can apply

The Challenge is open to everyone and anyone - dads and non-dads, designers, non-designers. Whatever you do and whoever you are, if you have a great idea then we want to hear about it.

How to apply

Answer the five questions below in a simple film (maximum two minutes) or written document (maximum two pages). Send this along with your contact details to Mollie Courtenay.

Deadline

Noon, Friday 12 September.

We know this is soon, but we won’t judge the quality of the films or documents, we just want to hear about your idea.  

Selection

Our group of experts will select five winners and each one will receive a £500 grant, as well as mentoring and support, to develop their ideas. You will then have five weeks to get your ideas off the ground (selection criteria below).

Celebration

We’ll celebrate the five winning ideas and share what we have learnt on 29 October (near Southbank, London). More info to follow.

Application questions

1. What is your idea?
2. What impact do you aim to achieve?
3. How will you get your idea off the ground over the five weeks?
4. Tell us about yourself and why you want to do this?
5. What support will you need?

Selection criteria

Impact: Could the project make a difference to dads in Southwark and Lambeth?*
Relevance: Is the idea practical and achievable?
Desirability: Do others want or need this idea to happen?
Passionate: Do you demonstrate a clear desire to make a change?
Openness: Do you have a genuine willingness to test, challenge and develop the idea?

*This Challenge is funded by Guy's and St Thomas' Charity. As part of the remit, the ideas that we are looking for must be able to work in Southwark and Lambeth. Hence this is part of the selection criteria. However, you do not have to live in the area and we will work with you to test your ideas wherever you're based.

For more information download our Dad Design Challenge guide. 

Download Dad Design Challenge (File type: .pdf)

If you have an idea to make a change in this space, we’d love to hear it.

Good luck! #DadChallenge