New event set up to support dads in Northamptonshire
Dad Sam Watts from Barton Seagrave has set up a walk and talk event called 'Dads Doddle'
A father from Barton Seagrave in Kettering is hoping a new event will help new dad's with their mental health.
The first 'Dad's Doddle' walk is taking place today, set up by 28 year old father of one Sam Watts, for dads to build a community.
Today is the first Dad's Doddle in Irchester Country Park with plans to make the meet ups a regular thing.
When Sam first shared the idea and event online he got a huge amount of interest, with over 200 people currently signed up to the Facebook group.
Sam says the idea came after his wife Stacey made many friends during maternity leave with son Colby, but didn't see any similar events for dads:
"She had all these mum and baby groups to go to... and she made a lot of friends, but to be honest when Colby was born I didn't really have any dad friends.
"So this will be a great chance to make some dad friends, just speak about everyone's mental health and start to unload."
Sam says parenting can sometimes be tough, especially when children are young and want their mothers over their fathers comfort:
"When the little one cries and cries and he just wants Mum, you feel like you've not helped."
He's hoping the meet ups will help men, who may struggle with social anxiety or their mental health to open up.
"A lot of men try to he happiest around their partners, but deep inside they might not be, and struggle to unload on their partners because they just want to be the happy guy. I think this will be the perfect group for men to unwind get things off their chest and feel better, I really do."
Plans are to alternate meet-ups at 9am on Saturdays a few times a month, in Irchester Country Park and Wicksteed Park, much like the regular running event Park Run.
Inspiration for the event came from Park Run after Sam's partner tried to convince him to take part, but Sam says running is not for him:
"I've got a dad bod, so I thought maybe I should set up an event called Dad's Doddle."