DadSpace currently offers meet-ups for Kent fathers and their families in Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Ashford – with a range of free activities, such as walk and talks, gym sessions, outdoor pursuits and charity football matches, bringing dads together.
Now DadSpace Director-Founder Denver King plans to expand the network to other areas of the county – potentially including Thanet, Folkestone & Hythe, Dartford and Gravesham. Another new group is also set to launch in Faversham by the end of the month.
“...we have a fantastic chance to grow and provide a consistent service to many more dads across more places in Kent and we’ll be recruiting and training more volunteers to help us do this”
Denver King said: “It’s a myth that men don’t want to talk about their experiences of being a father. Give us a safe space and we will open up, which can have positive impacts on the whole family.
“I’m so proud of what DadSpace has become since starting out in 2021. It shows how much the support is needed. Now we have a fantastic chance to grow and provide a consistent service to many more dads across more places in Kent and we’ll be recruiting and training more volunteers to help us do this.”
Dad-of-two Denver, from Maidstone, encourages fathers to talk openly about the challenges of parenting to improve family life and relationships. Photo credit: DadSpace
DadSpace needs you!
Denver added:“Volunteers are the heart and soul of DadSpace and we’d love to hear from anyone who shares our mission to improve dads’ experiences of fatherhood and their mental health. We’re particularly keen to hear from men who have experience of mentoring and supporting others. If that’s you, and want to be part of our journey, get in touch today.”
Volunteers also receive training from KCC to ensure they are well prepared to signpost others to services and support for fathers and families struggling with mental health matters related to parenting. Register your interest by emailing Volunteer@dadspace.co.uk.
Any dads wanting to book places for existing group sessions should visit www.dadspace.co.uk to find dates and locations.
“DadSpace is doing fantastic work and we’re excited to back their expansion”
Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health, Dan Watkins, said: “As a father myself I know how life-changing becoming a parent is and how important it is to be supported. DadSpace is doing fantastic work and we’re excited to back their expansion into more parts of the county.”
“Many dads we spoke to also wanted to be more involved in their child’s upbringing”
KCC Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “We know dads can find it difficult to reach out for support when they are struggling with the pressures of parenting. This is particularly so ahead of a birth, and in those demanding 24 months that follow, when parent-baby bonding is at such a formative stage and the risk of perinatal mental health issues impacting relationships is high.
“This was underlined by recent research we carried out that told us over a third of Kent dads who did not seek support would have liked it but did not know where to go. Many dads we spoke to also wanted to be more involved in their child’s upbringing but felt ‘unseen and ignored’. Some felt lonely and isolated.
“DadSpace has long been at the forefront of recognising these issues and responding to father’s’ needs; we’re very excited about them being able to develop their inspiring meet-ups in many more of our districts.”
