Resources: Review - A useful tool to bring fathers and sons together

Themes include the role of the father, spending time together, times when you disagree, talking and listening and respecting boundaries. The YMCA suggests the programmes can be shown during a break in an activity or with groups of dads on their own or with a mix of sons and daughters.

I watched Making Memories with my 15-year-old son - at times we squirmed but the content was so compelling that we sat through the lot. He said that he found some parts "embarrassing but true" - in teenage shorthand, I think that means he was impressed.

I particularly liked the frank, simple presentations made by the facilitators, who clearly are enthused and inspired by the "father potential". They were personable, expressive, proud and openly discussed issues about masculinity in a way that is liberating for many of the men they are trying to reach out to. I appreciate this ability, because I think it was these qualities that enabled me to be successful as a fathers' development worker when I worked in King's Cross, London.