Denbighshire Connecting Communities Project

Bringing dads together. Reducing isolation. Building local connection.

The Denbighshire Connecting Communities Project is a Brotherhood of Dads CIC initiative created to bring dads together across Denbighshire and the wider North Wales area.

This project is about reducing isolation and loneliness by creating real, local opportunities for dads to connect, talk, get active, build friendships, and feel part of something positive.

Denbighshire is where this project begins. It will be the blueprint, the inspiration, and the first real example of how a local BODS network can work in practice — with the long-term aim of building BODS communities across the UK.

We are currently waiting on funding from The National Lottery to help us deliver this project properly and make it accessible to more dads and families across the area.

Why this project matters

Many dads struggle quietly.

Some are dealing with stress, anxiety, loneliness, relationship pressures, parenting challenges, financial worries, work stress, or mental health difficulties. Others may simply feel disconnected from their community or unsure where they fit.

BODS exists to change that.

The Denbighshire Connecting Communities Project will create relaxed, welcoming, local spaces where dads can come together without pressure or judgement.

This is not about sitting in a room and being forced to talk. It is about connection through activity, shared experiences, movement, conversation, family time, and community.

What we have planned

Health and fitness activities

We also plan to run dedicated fitness workshops and activities supported by our BODS Health and Fitness Coordinator.

These may include:

  • Badminton

  • Tennis

  • Rugby-based fitness

  • Group fitness sessions

  • Beginner-friendly activities

  • Confidence-building movement sessions

The aim is not to create elite athletes. It is to help dads move more, feel better, rebuild confidence, improve routine, and enjoy being active with other men who understand.

Bike rides across North Wales

We plan to organise group bike rides that give dads the chance to get outdoors, improve wellbeing, and connect naturally while being active.

Planned routes include:

  • Bike rides around Llyn Brenig

  • Rides along the North Wales coast

  • Local cycling routes suitable for different confidence and fitness levels

These rides will give dads time away from daily pressure, a chance to clear their heads, and an opportunity to connect with other dads in a relaxed environment.

Walks and treks in the North Wales countryside

North Wales has some of the most powerful outdoor spaces in the UK, and we want to use that landscape to support dads’ wellbeing.

We plan to run walks and treks across:

  • Denbighshire countryside

  • Local woodland and coastal routes

  • North Wales walking trails

  • Snowdonia and the surrounding mountain ranges

These rides will give dads time away from daily pressure, a chance to clear their heads, and an opportunity to connect with other dads in a relaxed environment.

BODS has a dedicated local Mountain Leader within the Brotherhood who will help lead our treks safely and responsibly.

These walks are not just about fitness. They are about fresh air, headspace, conversation, confidence, and showing dads that support can happen shoulder-to-shoulder, not just face-to-face

Wellness workshops

We want to offer practical wellness workshops that help dads develop tools for handling stress, anxiety, pressure, and everyday life.

These may include:

  • Stress management sessions

  • Anxiety support workshops

  • Confidence-building activities

  • Mindset and reflection sessions

  • Vision quest-style wellbeing activities

  • Practical coping tools for everyday fatherhood

  • Sessions focused on routine, resilience, and self-awareness

The aim is to give dads useful tools they can take back into their homes, families, workplaces, and daily lives.

Local workshops for dads

The project will include local workshops where dads can come together, learn, talk, and build new ways of managing life’s pressures.

These workshops will have a real community feel and may cover topics such as:

  • Managing stress as a dad

  • Coping with anxiety

  • Improving communication

  • Building confidence

  • Parenting under pressure

  • Mental health awareness

  • Healthy habits and routine

  • Supporting each other as men and fathers

The focus will be practical, honest, and accessible. No lectures. No judgement. Just useful support, real conversation, and dads learning alongside other dads.

Dedicated dad meet-ups

Not every dad wants a workshop or a trek. Sometimes the most important thing is simply having somewhere to go and people to talk to.

We plan to create dedicated meet-ups where dads can come together to reduce loneliness and build friendships.

These meet-ups may include:

  • Coffee mornings

  • Evening check-ins

  • Informal social sessions

  • Family-friendly gatherings

  • Peer support meet-ups

  • Local community drop-ins

We have already held our first dads’ coffee morning, where dads were able to bring their children, have a coffee, meet other dads, and let the children play in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

This is exactly what the project is about: simple, local spaces that help dads feel less alone.

BODSFest — a family community event

A major part of the vision is to create a dedicated BODSFest — a family-friendly event where dads, children, partners, and the wider community can come together.

BODSFest would be about celebrating fatherhood, family, community, and connection.

The event could include:

  • Family activities

  • Local stalls

  • Food and drink

  • Music

  • Children’s activities

  • Wellbeing information

  • Community partners

  • BODS talks and stories

  • Outdoor games

  • Local organisations and services

BODSFest would bring the whole community together while keeping dads and families at the heart of it.

A real local feel

This project is being built with a strong local identity.

We want dads to feel connected to the places around them — the coast, the countryside, the towns, the villages, the community spaces, and the people.

By working with local councils, venues, organisations, businesses, and community partners, we want to create something that feels genuinely rooted in Denbighshire.

This is about more than activities. It is about building a local network of support around dads and families.

The bigger vision

Denbighshire is the starting point.

Our long-term aim is to build a BODS network across the UK, where dads in different towns, cities, and communities can come together, reduce isolation, and support each other locally.

The Denbighshire Connecting Communities Project will be the blueprint. It will show what is possible when dads are given the space, support, and opportunity to connect.

If this model works here, it can inspire BODS communities elsewhere.

Get involved

We want to hear from dads, local organisations, venues, businesses, councils, community groups, and anyone who believes dads deserve better support.

Whether you are a dad looking for connection, a local group that wants to work with us, or a venue that can help provide space, we would love to hear from you.

Together, we can reduce loneliness, strengthen families, and build real community connection.

No Dad Walks Alone.