Lads and Dads
Nominated for Community Champion award
Lads and Dads CIC is a community organisation from Bridgend committed to tackling men’s mental health challenges head on.
The group ethos is that no man should feel alone in his struggle with his mental health. They have created a community where men are encouraged to speak up and find strength in shared experiences through taking part in regular activities like bushcraft, allotments, sea dips, walking & talking/listening sessions.
The informal nature of these activities helps men relax in a safe space to allow them to be vulnerable about how they are feeling and take steps toward better mental health. Lads and Dads CIC not only offer support but practical help to men and their families and regularly respond to mental health crises, becoming a trusted lifeline for those at difficult times in their lives.
The group also takes a proactive role in educating the wider community about men’s mental health. Through First Aid for Mental Health training, well-being talks and community events, they are shifting attitudes towards highlighting the importance of men’s mental health. Beyond mental health support, Lads and Dads CIC offer support to the wider community. They offer food vouchers for families in need, ensuring that no one is left without essential support. They have touched countless lives through their tireless work in breaking down barriers and providing life-saving support for people at their most vulnerable.