Overview
An opportunity to go deep on a tender yet hugely important topic, via an innovative and supportive group process.
Together we will explore and seek answers to the questions and challenges of modern fatherhood, as well as celebrating its joys. Wielding the collective wisdom of the group, we will support each other to develop fruitful ideas and practices to seed in our respective lives and communities.
Is it for me?
Are you a father, considering fatherhood, or someone with a research, professional or creative interest in fatherhood?
Do you have questions regarding fatherhood you’d like support to explore, or an idea around fatherhood you'd like support to develop? Would you like to connect to a diverse group of dads across the UK? Are you excited about the prospect of collaborative, peer-led learning?
Do it to
1.
Be part of driving a bold experiment in what the culture of and conversation around modern fatherhood looks like.
2.
Strengthen and deepen your own relationship to fatherhood.
3.
Build a national support network of other fathers with the potential to last far beyond this 6 month journey.
Your Host
As well as a father, Sam is a multidisciplinary facilitator, with a diverse career spanning education, community building and participatory arts.
Driven by a passion for collective joy, he founded and led secular congregation Sunday Assembly East End, and created mental health festival A Mindful Mess. He is currently training as a music facilitator with prison charity Good Vibrations, and teaches meditation and mental resilience practices.
“Sam is committed to listening to all voices, and is skilled in letting collective wisdom emerge.”
Liz Slade - Chief Officer, Unitarians
Q&As
How do you approach diversity and inclusion?
We believe that placing peer-to-peer relationships at the heart of learning creates huge potential for a more inclusive approach to education. We also know that a very deliberate effort is required to deliver those benefits in reality. A top cited value point for Enrol Yourself participants is that they learnt alongside people they wouldn't otherwise have met and were able to exchange their perspectives, ideas, experiences and more.
We want to welcome and support anyone with a strong intention to take part in our programmes, and aim to ensure that your identity or background will not be a barrier. Whilst we don't have it all figured out yet, we are working on it.
What does the programme look like?
We will start by co-creating our 6 month adventure together. During the three phases of the journey (Explore, Develop & Showcase), we will meet fortnightly for workshops, alternating with buddy sessions. To support each other in our collective learning, we will take turns leading a workshop that helps us explore our learning questions. The journey is punctuated by 2 ‘check point’ sessions, to report back and receive input from outside experts on our progress. Find more details in the info pack.
How will the blended online/in person work in practice?
It is impossible at this stage to know what COVID restrictions will be in place over the 6 months, however alongside the regular online meetings the hope is to include national and perhaps regional meet ups… We will aim to remain fluid and adaptive in response to the situation as it evolves.
How much does it cost?
Costs range from £350 - £950 dependent on your circumstances, and can be spread over the 6 months interest free. There are also full and part bursaries available, as well as a 5% discount for early bird applications. If you are able, we encourage you to contribute to our higher tier, as this makes it possible to offer lower cost places to those with less income. We are aware this is a financially precarious moment for many, so please reach out if you need support.
I'm a new dad and fatherhood is exhausting enough - won't this just add to the load?
The programme does represent a time and energy commitment, however the aim is very much for it to be a journey which supports you rather than depletes you! It will also respond flexibly and sympathetically to your circumstances, particularly if you are a parent. Get in touch if this is something you'd like to discuss further.
What does the application process look like?
The application process is simple. You can request more information at the bottom of this page, and feel free to reach out to Sam for an informal chat. If this feels like something that calls you then you can sign up via the application form. After the deadline Sam will find a time to speak with you, before offering a limited number of places.
Interested?
Register your interest with the Host to receive the information pack. You can also request a phone call and some resources to take to your employer if you think they might be able to (partially or fully) sponsor your place on the programme.
Thank you for registering your interest, the host will be in touch!