About

The story so far

Back in 2018 a local Dad in Southport Richard Owens set up Identity Dads. The parish centre at St Peter's Church in Birkdale was made available very kindly and a playgroup was started.

The principle being that once a baby comes along it can be hard for Dads to know where they fit in….their ‘Identity’ changes forever…….what their purpose is? , a challenge to retain or build friendships and to manage their own wellbeing.

The high water mark was 18 dads and their associated kids attending in 2019.  Several social nights were organised and then the pandemic struck. Since then we reopened and average around 7 dads at each playgroup and have had a couple of meals out.

We have 379 likes 420 followers on Facebook, 24 in whatsapp group….so that’s a start but there is more potential.

CIC 

In January 2024 we applied to be a Community Interest Company. This allows us to invest in our safeguarding and other policies. It could also help with raising funds.

Boundaries

As you have seen our name is about the feelings and uncertainties which can arise in men once they age and enter into parenting roles. As a group we do not campaign on any fathers rights issues or take sides in family court disputes. These are complex and painful all round. Our group is friendly and supportive a safe space for any dad to share their feelings but in 

Similarly we know that families come in all shapes and sizes so we are warmly welcoming of single dads, foster/adoptive dads, LGBTQI dads and grandads finding themselves back in a hand on role!

Partnerships (and links)

Our foundational partnership with the lovely people at St Peter's Birkdale and their traditional style playgroup every Thursday called Footprints.

We are exploring links with mens' mental health groups such as Southport Mens Legion and Bootle's Sean's Place

Thank you to Sefton CVS for their Recovery Grant in sumemr 2025 to allow various activities over this period.