Connecting Dads supports all dads living in Barking & Dagenham during the early stages of parenting, focusing on those with a child between 0-3 years old.

Becoming a new parent can be challenging, we can help empower dads by giving them the tools to navigate the parenting journey by learning the importance of connecting with other dads, being active, appreciating what matters to them, learning about being the best dad they can possibly be, and being part of their local community.

No dad should be on their own.

We understand the unique challenges of being a dad during the perinatal stage (0-3 years). Our program is designed to support all dads in this stage —whether you want to connect with other dads locally, have more confidence being a dad, or explore what’s on offer for you and your child in the local community.

Connecting Dads is a supportive community where you can openly talk about the pressures of life with likeminded dads and discover simple, practical ways to navigate the complexities of being a dad.

 

What We Offer

A six-week course (either in person or online): An interactive program run for dads, by dads. Aimed at connecting and supporting dads by giving them the tools and confidence to be the best dad they can be and to give them the ability to find ways to support their partner.

Dads stay and play sessions: Facilitated, fun and engaging ‘stay and play’ sessions for dads to have precious quality time, but most importantly fun with their child.

‘Just dads’ monthly activities: Fun and engaging activities for dads to get together, connect and be active.

Connecting dads locally: Introducing dads to the network of support and activities within the community for them, their child, and their wider family.

Connecting Dads Six-Week Program Outline

Week 1: Being A Dad

Theme: Identity, expectations, and the journey of health and wellbeing.

  • Initial Questionnaire (rating statements)
  • Icebreaker: “One word about how being a dad feels right now”
  • Who are we and what is Connecting Dads?
  • Introductions around the group – connecting with other dads
  • Collaborative Group Agreement Making – e.g.
  • Confidential safe space
  • Prompt cards: Statements like “I thought being a dad would be… / The reality is…” for small group discussion
  • Open conversation on ‘The Perfect Dad’: Common challenges of early fatherhood + myths
  • Take home/ reflection prompt – “Reflect on areas in your parenting journey that may be an opportunity to add more positives to your parenting journey” “Reflect on how you can look after your health and wellness while looking after your child”
  • One thing you will do for yourself this week.
Week 2: Looking After Yourself to Look After Them

(including a dad guest speaker from the local community – their journey)

Theme: Health and wellness, self-care, and resilience.

  • Recap last week and check in with each group member
  • Dad’ Guest speaker – Their journey and local community involvement
  • Short guided activity:  cxBreathing exercise, grounding technique, or “box breathing” demo
  • Dads brainstorm personal ways to recharge (e.g. “10 minutes for me”)
  • Discussion: “What gets in the way of looking after yourself?”
  • Practical toolbox demo: Journaling prompts, Headspace/Calm apps, exercise/fitness ideas
  • Takeaway resource: Personal “self-care plan” handout to fill in at home.
Week 3: Connecting With Mum and Your child

(including Guest speaker from Mums Matter)

Theme: Connecting with Mum, family and your child.   Confidence in early parenting.

  • Recap last week and check in with each group member
  • Guest speaker: Mums Matter:
  • Who are Mums Matter.
  • What’s happening with mum
  • Attachment theory
  • Supporting mum and baby
  • Being a dad and looking after yourself
  • Group brainstorm: “What helps me feel supported by my partner?”
  • Communication activity: “I-statements” practice (e.g. “I feel tired when…”) to reduce conflict language
  • Reflection exercise: Write a short letter or note of appreciation to their partner/child (can share or keep private)
  • Takeaway resource: Communication tips handout (active listening, positive feedback, asking for help).
Week 4: Activity Week

Theme: Fun engaging activity – trying something new!

Connecting with other dads from the connecting Dads community (All Connecting Dads community members invited to this week).

  • Introductions around the group, weekly check in
  • Activity will change each course – Example activities:  Football, table Tennis, DJ ‘Open Decks’ (recapture your youth having a go on the 1’s and 2’s!), Batch cooking and more!
  • Opportunity to talk openly, have fun and feed the mind!
Week 5: Being The Best Dad, You Can Be

Theme: Strengthening the dad role

  • Recap last week and check in with each group member
  • Confidence scale: dads rate their parenting confidence 1–10, then identify what would move them up a point
  • Peer discussion: “What are you already doing well as a dad?” (strengths-based sharing)
  • Short presentation: Challenging stereotypes around masculinity and fatherhood
  • Activity: Create a “Dad Identity Card” — list three values and actions they want to live by as a parent
  • Takeaway resource: Personal affirmation card (“I am the kind of dad who…”) to keep at home.
Week 6: Building A Family Future

Theme: Reflection, legacy, and sustaining support.

  • Dads share their biggest learning from the program
  • Vision activity: “Fast forward 5 years — what kind of dad/family life do you hope for?” (journaling + group sharing)
  • Group activity: Build a collective “Dad Toolkit” on flipchart — coping strategies, bonding tips, self-care routines
  • The Connecting Dads community – On going activities for dads and their children, signposting and what’s happening in the community
  • End of Program questionnaire
  • Takeaway resource: Personal “Dad Toolkit” (filled in during session + facilitator handouts).

Email: Dadsinmind@haveringmind.org.uk if you have any questions or need more information.

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