Frequently asked
questions.
The project is growing quickly, but the boundaries should stay simple. Here is what Strong Dad is, what it is building, and what it is not.
What is The Strong Dad Project?
A growing fatherhood community created to help dads talk, connect, access useful information and find appropriate support. It is rooted in West Cumbria with a wider online audience.
Who is it for?
Dads at different stages of fatherhood — including new and expectant dads, separated dads, dads under pressure, dads who feel isolated, and dads who simply want a constructive community around fatherhood.
Is it free?
Following the community, contacting the project and registering interest in planned activities currently carry no charge. If a future event or activity ever has a cost, that would be made clear before anybody signs up.
Do I have to live in Cumbria?
No. The online community is wider than Cumbria. The project is rooted in West Cumbria, so early face-to-face activity is likely to begin locally.
Is Strong Dad counselling, therapy or a mental-health service?
No. It is peer and community support. It does not diagnose, treat or replace counselling, therapy, clinical care or crisis services.
Can I contact the project if I just need to talk?
Yes. You can send a short first message through the website or email. You do not need to explain everything at once. The inbox is not continuously monitored, so it must not be used for emergencies.
Can separated dads join?
Yes. Separation and co-parenting can put dads under real pressure. The project encourages child-focused, constructive fatherhood, but it does not give legal advice, build court cases or take sides in individual disputes.
Can I discuss family-court issues?
You can talk about how separation or proceedings are affecting you emotionally, but Strong Dad is not a legal-advice service. Do not use groups or forms to share detailed allegations, evidence, case documents or identifiable information about children and other private individuals.
Are online dad check-ins running now?
The first session is scheduled for Wednesday 14 October 2026, 8:15–8:45pm UK time (BST). Request the joining link or message “CHECK IN” on Facebook. You can listen first, and future dates will be shared separately.
Are check-ins confidential?
Participants will be expected not to record, screenshot or repeat other people’s personal stories. However, no peer group can guarantee absolute confidentiality from every participant. Share only what you are comfortable sharing.
Can I volunteer or help?
Yes. The project is interested in practical skills, local support, events, outreach and useful expertise. Registering starts a conversation; it does not automatically create a direct-support role.
Can an organisation, gym, club or business collaborate?
Yes, where there is a clear benefit to dads or the project’s ability to support them. Useful collaborations matter more than logo swaps or exposure for its own sake.
Can mums, partners or family members contact the project?
Yes for general enquiries, collaboration, signposting and project questions. Dad check-ins themselves are intended as dad-focused peer spaces.
What if I need urgent help?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent mental-health help in England, call NHS 111. Samaritans can be contacted free on 116 123, day or night.
How is my form information used?
It is used to respond to your enquiry or contact you about activities you selected. The project asks people not to submit unnecessary sensitive information. See the privacy notice for more detail.