Happiful October 2019

FAMILY
More than
6,500 dads
come together
in supportive
Facebook group
Harnessing the power of social media,
dad of four, Paul Barnes, decided it
was about time that dads stood by one
another when, in 2017, he founded
a private Facebook group called
Dadventures.
Created with the aim of bringing dads
together to chat about everything from
adventures to have with their kids, to
the specific pressures of fatherhood,
the group quickly took off, and now
has more than 6,500 members.
“I think dads have a hard time
opening up and asking for support, as
there is still a stigma that makes men
feel they need to ‘man up’, and just get
on with things, rather than letting their
emotions out,” Paul tells Happiful.
But the impact of this digital safespace
is now being felt in the real
world, as the group has sparked
regular meet-ups across the country.
Paul shares how one member even
managed to work through a drinking
problem by posting daily updates in
the group – falling back on the support
of the members.
For Paul, who himself lives with
depression and social anxiety, groups
like this are the future of connection,
and another step towards a kinder,
more accepting world.
Search Dadventures UK on Facebook to
find out more. Writing | Kathryn Wheeler
October 2019 • happiful.com • 11