The Dads’ Fire Circle – Supporting Dad’s Of Children With Additional Needs

Many of us have something that we started during lockdown four years ago… mine was to start ‘The Dads’ Fire Circle’, a place for Dad’s (or Dad figures) of children of any age who have additional needs, to gather. Some Dad’s have small children, some have children in their 30’s, but all are on a similar journey.

Over the last four years, we’ve met online every month; sometimes just a handful of us, sometimes a few more, to chat, share, mutually support, and journey with, other Dad’s on a similar journey to our own. The Dad’s that come along are from all over the UK and even further afield in some cases, but each one finds a place where they are understood, seen, listened to, and are no longer alone.

“Knowing that there is the support of other guys, people who have been through similar things, who can share their experiences, and who are able to listen and to encourage you and be with you, that’s really helpful.” Tim, member of ‘The Dads’ Fire Circle’

We’ve occasionally been able to run a session of ‘The Dads’ Fire Circle’ at festival events such as New Wine ‘United’, where we’ve gathered guys around a physical fire to share stories, food, and support. We plan to be at New Wine ‘United’ again in July 2024.

“Thanks so much, Mark, for bringing us together. It was really great and so helpful. Good to meet everyone — look forward to the next time.”

‘The Dads’ Fire Circle’ featured on the Fathers’ Day episode of BBC Songs of Praise on 16th June 2024, a great recognition of the helpful support that this group is providing for Dad’s and Dad figures across the country.

You can watch the episode here, with the section featuring ‘The Dads’ Fire Circle’ starting at about 12:25 minutes in: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0020c7z/songs-of-praise-fathers-day

“Thanks Mark really enjoyed it, nice to find other Dad’s on similar journeys who are prepared to talk about it, looking forward to next time.”

While a typical session of ‘The Dads’ Fire Circle’ is led by whatever the Dad’s present want to talk about, we usually make sure to chat about current issues relevant to the moment e.g. summer holidays, back to school, Christmas, etc.

It’s a space where Dad’s can share and contribute as much or as little as they feel comfortable with, going at their own pace. While the group includes many who have a faith, this isn’t overtly communicated during the meetings, although we hope it comes across in the way that we care for and support each other.

“I have really enjoyed the conversation….many thoughts and feelings that have engulfed my mind and heart. Truly impactful (positive).”

If you, or someone you know, would like to come along to an online session, you can find out more about upcoming sessions at https://thedadsfirecircle.com where you can also see blog posts, links to helpful websites, and more.

I hope you will come and join us ‘around the fire’ as we gather to make a difference for Dad’s and Dad figures wherever they are, helping everyone to not feel so isolated and alone, but to have found their ‘tribe’.

See you there!

Mark

See also:
The Dads’ Fire Circle: A Place For Additional Needs Dads To Gather
https://theadditionalneedsblogfather.com/2020/07/31/the-dads-fire-circle/

All text and images © Mark Arnold / The Additional Needs Blogfather, except image of Mark and Tim at the beach and image of Mark at desk, © BBC Songs of Praise