Celebrating 10 years of Leeds Dads

In 2021, Leeds Dads turned 10 years old. We missed out on celebrating this in style due to the pandemic so we pressed pause, and this year we are finally celebrating 10 years (+1!) of Leeds Dads.

Errol started Leeds Dads in 2011 with just a handful of Dad friends for a Daddy Daughter Day in Leeds City Museum Cafe.

Back then Leeds was not Dad friendly. We didn’t have changing units in our toilets, we were all but ignored by the maternity services, paternity leave was unhead of, and all of the parent and child activites and services were aimed at and advertised to Mums, with Dads feeling excluded and unwelcome.

All the Dads Errol did meet wanted to be more involved with their children’s care but weren’t sure how to go about it. He realised that he could be the one to start being the change he wanted to see. He would tell all the Dads he met in parks, children’s centres or A&E wards about the group and try to encourage them to come. He had no flyers or website but met some of Leeds Dads’ longest-standing members this way!

Since Errol started Leeds Dads, we have become a registered charity (part of the LCCT umbrella) and have worked together to create a thriving community of Dads in Leeds.

Through our WhatsApp group and Facebook group and the in-person events we hold, we offer parenting advice, friendship, and wellbeing support. We have ensured that Dads-to-be and new Dads in Leeds are not only seen and valued as caregivers but provided with the knowledge and encouragement to have the greatest possible impact in their children’s early years.

In the 11 years since that first meetup we have delivered hundreds of free, accessible events to promote positive physical and mental health for Dads across the city and beyond. You can see our list of upcoming events at leedsdads.org/events/ or become a member to get monthly email updates.

Leeds Dads is free and always will be, but you can support Leeds Dads to keep supporting Dads in Leeds by showing your thanks with a donation.

Here’s our founder Errol to let us know what reaching that amazing first 10 year milestone has meant to him, and a few highs and lows.

Speaking of highlights, come celebrate a big one with us! Don’t miss Dadstastic Day, our amazing FREE Father’s Day celebration on June 19th at Leeds City Museum.