What is Dad La Soul:
Dad La Soul exists to orchestrate a revolution in the way that the stories and struggles of six million Dads in the UK are seen, heard, and supported.
One in five men has admitted that they have no close friends, as the UK becomes increasingly crippled by a loneliness epidemic. Source CALM.
At Dad La Soul we work to tackle social isolation through our dad-friendly playdates, with hundreds of families joining in with everything from age-appropriate stand-up comedy and rap workshops to bushcraft, guerrilla gardening, crafting, and soft play.
As well as our monthly playdates we also offer dad-friendly meet-ups, these successfully reimagine the traditional approach to men's mental health provision by creating innovative, safe, dad support groups to allow dads and male carers of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds to talk openly about their struggles.
We are currently offering our services in Brighton, Hove, Worthing, and Lewes. With new locations planned for 2025.
Meet our Runners:
I’m Stewart—a dad, a runner, and a huge supporter of Dad La Soul. As a father, I know how tough it can be to balance everything life throws at you while still trying to be the best parent you can be. That’s why Dad La Soul means so much to me. It’s a movement that tackles social isolation amongst dads, providing a space where we can connect, share experiences, and support each other. Being a dad is incredible, but it can also be lonely at times, and having a community like this makes a world of difference.
Running has become a huge part of my life, pushing me physically and mentally in ways I never expected. I love the challenge, the discipline, and the sense of achievement it brings. Now, I’m taking it up a notch. My good friend Ben and I have set ourselves a serious challenge: running 10K every day for 7 days, finishing with the Brighton Marathon 10K. It’s not just about fitness—it’s about showing resilience, committing to something tough, and proving that we’re capable of more than we think.
We’re doing this to raise money for Dad La Soul, helping more dads find the support and friendship they need. Every donation makes a difference—help us support dads, break the stigma around men’s mental health, and build a stronger community.
Hi I’m Ben, a 36 years old dad of 2 little Diamonds, Bobby 9 and Maisie 7.
Like most of the country after lock down back in 2022, I was feeling a bit lost, alone and incredibly depressed when I stumbled across a post on Facebook about a group of dads, who ran a dads and kids weekend meet up. I decided to go and purchase some tickets to see what it was all about and haven’t looked back since.
Like most of the dads at their 1st time meet, I was feeling a bit nervous but the moment me and Bobby walked in the room we were greeted by the happy smiles of Mr Dad La Soul Dan and his band of merry men - then the nerves just vanished and the fun began.
Since that day I have experienced so many amazing nights with the Dad La Soul group, including stand up comedy events,a couple of pub quizzes and more than a handful of sea dips.
This has also led to me becoming a very keen runner and got me into much better shape, shedding over 3.5 stone and encouraged me to train for my 1st half marathon, when this time last year I stuggled to run a bath. I have so much to thank Dan and the rest of the DLS team for, that is why I want to help the other lads in raising as much as we can by doing this charity run.
Hi I’m Jaden, I love living in Brighton and Hove and am a father to my not so little any more… Yikes 11 year old Aivah!
My wife Michaela introduced me to Dad La Soul nearly 3 years ago mentioning a Dads Only event!
I’ll be honest I really wasn’t sure and bought a friend, but it took me 10 minutes. I felt so comfortable and at ease that I word vomited exactly how I felt about my situation with bio mum & my little one at the time and what I got back was just frankly the best feeling ever!
'Genuine ideas on how to help, a bunch of guys who genuinely cared for me and to top it all off….
ZERO Judgement!!
Ever since Dad La Soul has frankly kept me sane and without the dads only events and play dates I wouldn’t have the relationship I have today with my kid. Dad La Soul and the guys gave me strength, so running this 10k for someone who doesn’t run at all is absolutely everything to me!’