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 Project Worker - Isle Of Wight
Dadzclub Project Worker - Isle Of Wight
Dadzclub Project Worker
Saturday Mornings
Dadzclub Project Worker
Saturday Mornings
The Parenting Network is a non profit charitable organisation working to empower parents
and build a supportive community of families who live within the city of Portsmouth.
We offer a range therapeutic and befriending programmes including a Baby Bank
that provides much needed items to families in need.
We actively listen to parents within our communities, providing advice, support and signposting towards more appropriate specialist services. Our work with families is delivered through a series of engaging programmes that promote fun learning, strengthening of family bonds and bringing people together whilst also tackling stigmas, gender stereotyping and social isolation.
Fundraising & Marketing Manager