This week we formally welcome volunteer Pete Bailey to the team as our DadSpace Ashford Host.
Pete has been a long term advocate for mental health and spent some time as a Samaritan. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team and his first self hosted session was a hit with guests in Ashford.
Our casual and welcoming format creates a safe space and breaks the ice, allowing dads to open up about their thoughts and feelings from their very first session.
After introductions, we discussed the things our children do not have today, that we benefited from when we were younger… imagination, creativity were hot topics as we all agreed our children are over stimulated by technology.
Some things to try were more outdoor activities, rotating the toys / gadgets available, “planned” boredom time and even “fake” power cuts to stimulate those practical / critical thinking skills we relied upon when we were younger.
We look forward to our next event in Ashford on Tuesday 5th of March, where guest speaker Trevor from ‘Liquid Choices’ is delivering our second DadTalk of 2024.
DadTalks are inspirational life stories told by real dads! If you are undecided about attending a DadSpace event for fear of having to talk yourself, this is the perfect opportunity to just listen and reflect on another father’s lived experience, as we display our unique form of Brotherly Support Between Fathers!
Thank you to Pete and all the dads that attended this week, we look forward to supporting many more fathers and their family’s in Ashford and more local towns throughout this year.
"Congratulations on your first solo DadSpace event Pete, it's a pleasure to have you on the team! " Michael Bright - DadSpace Co-Director