Sam Watts, a 28-year-old father from Burton Latimer near Kettering in Northamptonshire, has initiated a community walking group called ‘Dads Doddle’. He observed that the social life of new mothers was astonishing. If you were a father, your choices were incredibly limited. Watts is the father of a 15-month-old son. As a father, Jason recognized the great need for a judgment-free zone where dads could get together and exchange their experiences.
The first ‘Dads Doddle’ walk was held at Irchester Country Park where 19 dads joined the walk with their children. Some of the wee chicks were all snuggled up in strollers and some were skipping along on foot, linking hands with their old men. Beyond creating an opportunity to burn some calories, this event encouraged a sense of community and friendly competitiveness among participants.
After the success of our first event we planned our second ‘Dads Doddle’ walk to Wicksteed Park in Kettering. Nearly 40 dads came out for this great event! This tremendous increase in attendance is a testament to the overwhelming need and interest in community initiatives focused on fathers.
‘Dads Doddle’ functions as an informal, regular dads’ walking group, set up to connect local, like-minded fathers. Watts underscored the need to create an atmosphere where dads don’t feel judged and can feel supported.
“It’s a judge-free zone. You can unwind as much as you want, and we’re just there for each other,” – Sam Watts
In just three weeks, over 500 individuals have signed up online to join ‘Dads Doddle’, reflecting the overwhelming enthusiasm for the group. This rapid growth indicates that many fathers are seeking avenues to connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges.
Watts confirmed that fathers have a basis for feeling sidelined in conversations about parenting. He stated, “Dads can feel a bit side-lined and we need to be noticed.” To push for this ideal, he started ‘Dads Doddle’ to provide a colorful space for fathers. Here, they can be a fellowship, learn from one another’s experiences, and lift each other up.
Plans for future meetups are already in the works, indicating that ‘Dads Doddle’ will be spreading its influence even further. The Fatherhood Initiative is still in its infancy, but it is sure to deliver priceless resources and networking opportunities for fathers throughout the community.
