Portsmouth born father of two, Matt has worked in the third sector for more than 23 years supporting some of our city's most vulnerable people and is now using his skills and experience as a leading social entrepreneur across several sectors. For Matt, becoming a parent brought about deeply repressed feelings of paternal abandonment and rejection from his absent birth father and this had a huge impact on choices he made around being a better father for his children, including one child with complex additional needs.
His experiences also highlighted gaps in support for a growing number of Dads who wanted to be more involved in their children’s lives. From this journey into parenthood, Dadzclub, a supportive community for fathers was conceived.
The Parenting Network was established a year later after Matt also identified gaps in support for other marginalised parent groups, in particular, young parents. Today with the support of a very talented team of professionals, The Parenting Network has grown into one of the area's leading third sector family support services delivering 6 programmes across Hampshire.
Vision Statement:
Our vision is to create a world where fathers are supported, valued, and actively involved in their children's lives. We strive for a society that breaks gender stereotypes, provides accessible services for fathers, and promotes discussions about equality and support. Through our community, activities, and collaborations, we aim to inspire and empower fathers to build strong relationships with their children and make a positive impact on their families and communities.
Mission:
The mission of Dadzclub is to explore and celebrate the journey of fatherhood by building a supportive community of like-minded fathers. Through our online presence and weekly in-person social meetups, we aim to create an inclusive environment where fathers can connect, share experiences, and strengthen their bonds with their children. We actively collaborate with other organisations to improve access to services for fathers, raise awareness of health and parenting issues affecting men, challenge gender stereotypes, and promote discussions around allyship and gender equity.
Aims:
1. Foster a supportive community: Dadzclub aims to bring together fathers and provide a supportive community where they can connect, share experiences, and find support through stay & play social groups, peer support groups, and our online platforms.
2. Enhance father-child relationships: Dadzclub aims to strengthen father-child relationships by organising engaging, creative, and playful weekend groups. These activities provide a friendly environment where dads can chat with other dads while spending quality time with their children.
3. Advocate for fathers' well-being: Dadzclub aims to raise awareness of health and parenting issues affecting men. We actively work alongside other organisations to improve access to services for fathers and collaborate with them to ensure fathers' well-being is prioritised.
4. Challenge gender stereotypes: Dadzclub seeks to redefine gender stereotypes by promoting discussions around allyship and gender equity. We aim to create a society that embraces diverse caregiving roles and challenges traditional notions of masculinity.
Objectives:
1. Provide diverse services: Dadzclub offers a range of services across Portsmouth, Southampton, and the Isle of Wight, including stay & play social groups, monthly peer support groups, and a protected Facebook group for dads. We also maintain a strong social media presence to provide education and a parental voice for fathers.
2. Foster community inclusion: Dadzclub actively participates in events and collaborates with statutory, community, and health organisations to promote community inclusion and ensure fathers' voices are heard and respected.
3. Organise recreational activities: Dadzclub arranges weekly kick-about football sessions to encourage physical activity and socialisation among fathers.
4. Host annual International Men's Day event: Dadzclub organises an annual event to celebrate International Men's Day, creating a platform to address relevant topics and promote positive discussions around fatherhood.
5. Dadzcamp: Dadzclub offers a fun-filled weekend retreat called Dadzcamp, providing fathers and their children with a memorable adventure-packed experience.
6. Provide public speaking services: Dadzclub offers public speaking services to share insights and experiences related to fatherhood, promoting awareness and understanding of the challenges and joys of being a father.
7. Consultation with businesses: Dadzclub offers consultation services to businesses, providing guidance on creating equal and supportive workplaces for working fathers.
Dadzclub Coordinator Portsmouth
Dadzclub Football Project Worker
The Parenting Network: Your Village in Parenthood
At The Parenting Network, we provide vital FREE services to families in South Hampshire, empowering families and enriching lives. Our mission is to support you through every stage of parenting.
We offer a range of services, including engaging stay and play groups, school readiness programmes, fathers' groups, and teen mum support. Our bump & baby classes provide essential guidance for new parents, while our Mischief Makers programme fosters creativity and connection through fun, interactive activities.
Our services are delivered in Family Hubs across the city, and we also have a dedicated family support space in the Bridge Shopping Centre, Fratton, where families can connect, receive support, and access advice.
We are committed to assisting families who have experienced childhood trauma and we also run a busy baby bank that supports over 100 families every month.
Each year, we reach thousands of families, running 30 stay and play groups weekly and distributing 300 meals a week to ensure everyone has access to essential resources.
Join us in building a brighter future for families in Portsmouth—together, we are Your Village in Parenthood.
Fundraising & Marketing Manager
Head of Corporate Partnerships