Dads Onside
Fatherhood comes with its ups and downs. Whether you’re going through separation or family struggles, becoming a father or working to strengthen your relationship with your children, we are here to support you.
What we offer
Dads Onside provides practical and emotional support for fathers in Norfolk at every stage of fatherhood. Through one-to-one sessions, group activities and tailored programmes, we help men build confidence, develop positive parenting skills and maintain meaningful connections with their children.
We’re here for dads who are:
- Expecting a baby or have recently become fathers
- Going through family separation or facing challenges with contact
- Rebuilding relationships with their children
- Aiming to become more confident, involved parents
Our support is flexible and meets you where you are. Whether you’re dealing with court processes, relationship difficulties or simply want to be the best dad you can be, we offer a non-judgmental space for you to explore what matters most.
I want to give a huge thank you to Menscraft and the support they offer for fathers. Julian has been so friendly, supportive and professional in assisting me through the family court system in order to regain contact with my children. The fathers’ group he hosts has been incredibly helpful and I highly recommend it to all dads in need of support.
Dads Onside participant
Caring Dads
What is Caring Dads about?
Caring Dads is for men who want to change the way they parent. We help you to identify your strengths as a father and develop practical strategies to make positive changes in your parenting.
This isn’t about shame or judgment. It’s about reflection, growth and building stronger relationships with your children, their mothers, and other care-givers in their lives.
Who is it for?
Many fathers are likely to benefit from participation in this program, but especially men whose relationship with their children or children’s mothers is problematic. This may include over-controlling, over-involved, distant and/or irresponsible, emotionally abusive fathers or fathers who have hostile, highly conflictual, or abusive relationships with the children’s mothers.
What is covered in the sessions?
Over the 17-week course, we will look at:
- Your own experience of being parented and how it influences you now
- Your relationship with your child’s mum and the impact of this on your child
- Different stages of child development and what children need at each stage
- Replacing harmful practices with nurturing, empathetic parenting
How do I participate in Caring Dads?
Please note that participants need to be referred by a professional working with you and/or your family. This could be a family support worker, school professional, health professional, social worker, probation officer or welfare support worker.
“It has completely transformed my perspective on fatherhood and helped me better understand and manage my own emotions, especially in how I respond to and support my daughter. The impact it’s had on my parenting has been profound, and I’m incredibly grateful for the growth and insight it’s given me.”
Caring Dads participant
One-to-one and group support
Dads Onside offers flexible one-to-one support and group activities tailored to your needs. Whether you’re working through court processes, managing difficult emotions or simply want someone to talk to who gets it, we’re here.
Our support is based around what you need and we’ll agree a plan together when we meet.
We offer fathers:
- confidential & non-judgemental listening
- help understanding the family courts, mediation, etc.
- help filling out forms or making appointments
- support to prepare for and attend meetings, e.g. with social workers
- support at family court (as a ‘McKenzie Friend’)
- tools and tactics for child-centred fathering
- strategies to co-parent in the best interests of your child
- support if you don’t currently have contact with your children
- information about other organisations that can help or opportunites that might be useful
30-minute appointments in Norwich and Great Yarmouth
Our drop-in service for fathers offers 30-minute appointments based on availability, in order of arrival. No need to pre-book, just turn up.
Wednesday evening fathers’ group in Norwich
Join our regular bi-monthly Wednesday meet-up for dads at all stages fatherhood. Come and discuss what’s working – and what’s not – with other dads in a non-judgemental space.
Get in touch
If you’re a dad in Norfolk looking for support, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more about how Dads Onside can help.
Dads Onside is funded by the National Lottery and Forte Charitable Foundation.
