DAD’S DO, BUILDING A COMMUNITY FOR PETERBOROUGH DADS

Being a parent can be brilliant, rewarding, hilarious - and, at times, really difficult.

That’s true for mums and dads alike. But, for whatever reason, it can sometimes be harder for dads to talk openly about the challenges of parenting, and how they're feeling in general.

But throw in a game of football, a night of pool, some gaming or Warhammer - maybe even a trip to the pub - and those conversations might just flow that little bit easier.

And that’s the thinking behind Dad’s Do, a new Peterborough community created by husband-and-wife team Daisy and Andy.

After welcoming their first child in May, they realised there wasn’t much locally giving dads the chance to meet other dads - whether that’s to talk about the realities of parenting, make new friends or simply get out of the house and have a laugh.

So they decided to create something themselves, built around one simple message: ‘Because no dad should do life alone.’

Clearly, they weren’t the only ones who felt it was needed.

Their first Dad’s Do x Football event in August attracted more than 30 men, followed by a pool night with more than 25.

The idea is refreshingly simple: turn up, have some fun and meet other dads who understand what being a parent can actually be like.

That doesn’t mean Dad’s Do is a therapy group.

Far from it. Nobody has to turn up because they’re struggling or immediately pour their heart out.

You can just fancy a game of pool.

But when conversations do turn to the ups and downs of being a dad or whatever else life throws at you - there’s something reassuring about talking to people who understand.

As one attendee put it: “Dad’s Do is amazing. It’s lovely to have loads of dads from all over come together, having a laugh and generally having a chat - raising awareness for men’s and dads’ mental health and creating new bonds and friendships.” 

Daisy says some dads are already beginning to open up about how they’re feeling, with others offering support and new friendships starting to form.

And despite Dad’s Do being inspired by Daisy and Andy becoming new parents, it isn’t just for new dads - or dads with young children. Your child might be six months old, 16 or 36. You’re still a dad. Stepdads, grandads and ‘any dad in-between’ are welcome too.

They’ve apparently had requests from dog dads as well. Nice try.

There are online options too, with WhatsApp chats covering gaming, wargaming, fantasy football and general conversation.

And there’s plenty more to come. Dad’s Do x Warhammer takes place at Orton Waterville Village Hall on Sunday October 25, with a pub quiz, festive football and a casual pub meet-up also planned before Christmas.

Find Dad’s Do on Facebook or Instagram at @dads_do_ where you’ll find details of upcoming events and how to join its WhatsApp community.

Whether you want to talk about the challenges of being a dad, meet people who understand them, or simply have a pint and a laugh with some new mates, you’re welcome. Because no dad should do life alone.

Mike Clarke