Nikki and Liz from Community Action Network sat down with Dominic from Andy’s Man Club and Jimbo from Beer with an Ear at the West Howe Community Centre to discuss an important issue that often gets overlooked: the lack of services and support for dads and male carers.

In recent years, there’s been an increasing awareness of the mental health struggles men face, but when it comes to fathers and male carers, support remains scarce. These men often find themselves carrying the emotional weight alone, unsure where to turn for help. Society’s expectations and the stigma around men opening up make it even harder. The phrase “man up” still lingers, creating a barrier for many men to talk about their struggles, especially when it comes to parenting.

Andy’s Man Club has been working tirelessly to create safe spaces for men to open up and speak about their mental health. Their efforts have been groundbreaking in tackling the stigma and now support over 4,500 men weekly both in person and online.
Enter Beer with an Ear, a new initiative launched by Jimbo, from Southbourne aiming to support dads — who have SEND children. The idea is simple but powerful: create a relaxed environment where men can share their stories, support each other, and offload the emotional burden. Jimbo expressed the goal of Beer with an Ear becoming a regular, weekly event, much like Andy’s Man Club, but tailored to the unique challenges SEND families face.

The conversation at West Howe Community Centre was not just about recognising the gaps in services but also about finding solutions. With initiatives like Beer with an Ear starting up, there’s hope that more dads and male carers will feel less isolated and more empowered to seek the support they deserve. After all, it’s not just about “being strong”; it’s about being heard. And as these local efforts grow, the message is clear: it’s okay to talk, and no man should have to carry the burden alone.

We are sure that Andy’s Man Club and Beer with an Ear are only two of many amazing community groups, charities and activities that happen each week that support men – we just don’t know about them. In preparation for International Men’s Day on Tuesday 19th November we want to promote all the great work that is happening across Dorset to support men.

Please email familyhubs@can100.org.uk so we can share with our networks and across social media.