A Scarborough support group helping dads navigate the challenges of raising children with disabilities has received a boost from Broadacres Housing Association.
Dads Behaving Madly, a Scarborough-based group that combines cold water surfing with wellbeing sauna sessions, has been awarded £500 from our Community Development Fund. The funding will help the group continue providing a safe, supportive space for local dads.
Founded by Graham Porter after his twins were diagnosed with ADHD and autism, the group was created to fill a gap in support specifically for fathers of children with additional needs.
Graham said,
“There didn’t seem to be anything out there for dads, so I thought I’d try to set something up.
“We started with a coffee morning and only two people came along. I did wonder if I was doing the right thing, but we kept going – and now we have 75 dads involved. This funding is really welcome and means we can keep the sessions going.”
The group’s approach is simple but powerful – bringing dads together through shared experiences and activities that help break down barriers and encourage open conversations around mental health and wellbeing.
Sessions take place on Scarborough’s coastline, where participants take part in cold water surfing before warming up in a sauna. The combination of physical activity and peer support helps create an environment where dads feel more comfortable opening up.
Graham added,
“Surviving the North Sea and then regrouping in a sauna definitely breaks down barriers.
“When you’ve gone through that together, it opens up conversations. You might meet someone who understands exactly what you’re going through and can help you through it.”
The group supports dads of children with a wide range of physical and mental health conditions. Research shows that parents and carers in this position can be at higher risk of stress, isolation and mental health challenges, making peer support and connection especially important.
Dads Behaving Madly offers a space where fathers can talk openly, share experiences and feel less alone.
Find out more about Dads Behaving Madly
To learn more about the Scarborough dads support group, search for Dads Behaving Madly Hub on Facebook or email [email protected].
Supporting local communities across North Yorkshire
Our newly formed Community and Sustainability Fund supports local organisations, groups and projects in the communities where we have homes across North Yorkshire, including Scarborough and surrounding areas. All funding decisions are made by our customers.
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