Wales dads meet for Bushcraft wellbeing workshop
2 mins read
Friday 10 April 2026
On a rainy Saturday morning in February, a group of five dads, Contact’s Parent Adviser Sophie, and grandparent, carer and volunteer Lisa arrived at Wild Blossom forest school, nestled on the side of Caerphilly mountain.
The group were together for a morning bushcraft wellbeing workshop. The session formed part of our Building Resilience project for parent carers in Wales.
The group tried fire lighting, carved a butter knife from willow, and cooked a hearty vegetable soup around a campfire. They listened to the soothing sound of the rain lightly drumming on canvas as they chatted about the importance of connection and finding others who understand. And they shared stories about their families and the challenges dads and male carers face when finding or accessing support.
Reaching Dads and male carers can be difficult. Our team in Wales partnered with Ben from Glad Dads, a new group for local dads and male carers of children with additional learning needs and disabilities in Cardiff. Together they invited group members, alongside other local male carers, to the workshop. Two of the dads who attended have since joined Glad Dads monthly meet ups.
One dad provided some wonderful feedback:
“I wanted to say a personal thank you for your fantastic support, advice and a listening ear. As I mentioned, I was 50-50 about attending Saturday, ironically because I had an over whelming week with [child’s] OCD and anxiety. I thought of the work you guys had put in to arrange the day and forced myself to go.
I have to say I have attended many events which have been very helpful, but your event was my favourite. Sitting in the rain with a hot soup talking about our situations and life in general was one of the most mindful things I’ve ever done. It was lovely to meet like-minded dads who I hope to stay in touch with.
The girls who run the camp were fantastic too. Your empathy, understanding and experience was a huge contribution to how I felt, so a massive thank you.”
This dad has since attended several of Contact Cymru’s Lets Chat online drop-ins for support and connection.
The morning was truly enjoyable for everyone who came. We hope it will provide a helpful blueprint for future outdoor workshops in the third year of the Building Resilience project.