Corby Dad Club hailed a huge success in driving well-being for local men
Dad Club, a programme of eight free creative workshops was designed to support dads of young children in Corby, helping them meet like-minded people and learn new skills. The project was run by Made With Many – an organisation that delivers arts and cultural activities for communities in Corby and Wellingborough.
The course, held in partnership with Pen Green Children’s Centre, took place at KHL Community Workshop and was led by local artist and woodwork specialist Tom Mitchell. Dads of pre-school-aged children were given the chance to learn beginner-level woodworking skills in a relaxed and supportive setting. As well as making practical items like chopping boards, birdhouses and bug hotels, the dads had a chance to connect with others, talk, share experiences and take some time for themselves.
Trishna Roy at Made With Many said: “Much of the support in the early years focuses on mums and babies, and dads can often feel overlooked. We know that postnatal anxiety and depression can affect men too, and it can be hard for them to find spaces where they feel welcome. Dad Club was about creating that safe, supportive environment – somewhere to learn a skill, take a breather from daily pressures, and connect with others going through similar experiences.”
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with some attendees describing the experience as “life changing.” As well as making new friends, the group reported increased confidence and improved mental wellbeing – benefits that extended to their wider families.
Following the success of this initial programme, Made With Many hope to run a second course of workshops beginning this Autumn. Future sessions plan to take the participants out of the classroom and use their developing woodworking skills to create planters, bird boxes and bug hotels for local spaces – giving back to the community while continuing their own learning journey
Victoria Bell, Co-Director of Made With Many said: “We are delighted with the success of Dad Club; it shows how art and creativity can bring people together. The workshops gave dads the chance to learn new skills, make friends and boost their confidence – benefits that ripple out to their families and the wider community.”
Dad Club is part of Made with Many’s wider programme of art and cultural activities, supported by Arts Council England, aimed at bringing high-quality creative opportunities to people of all ages in Corby and Wellingborough.