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Becoming Dads
Feel more prepared for fatherhood
Becoming Dads is a free course for expectant dads, new and experienced dads, and other men playing an important caring role in a child’s life in Hackney and Tower Hamlets.
Across one full day and three follow-up sessions, you’ll learn practical skills, reflect on the kind of dad you want to be and meet other men navigating family life.
You don’t need to arrive feeling confident or have everything figured out. Just come as you are.
Free to attend
One full day + a selection of shorter sessions
Practical, relaxed and designed with dads in mind
Next courses: Autumn 2026.
Where: In person sessions for each course are hosted at one of our partner sites in East London, with additional activity taking place online.
Cost: Free
See more information on our upcoming courses below.
“I went into Becoming Dads completely blind, but I’m just so glad I took part.”
“I went into Becoming Dads completely blind, but I’m just so glad I took part.”
Why fatherhood changes everything
Becoming a dad can be exciting, daunting and life-changing, often all at once.
And while the early days are a particularly big transition, fatherhood keeps changing as children grow, families evolve and new challenges emerge.
There is plenty of information about pregnancy, birth and children’s development, but much less space for men to think about their own role.
How can you support your partner or co-parent? What kind of dad do you want to be? How do you stay connected when life feels pressured? What experiences from your own childhood do you want to carry forward, or leave behind?
Becoming Dads gives you time to explore these questions alongside other men.
The course is centred on dads, but we also welcome men who play a significant caring role in a child’s life, even if you don't describe yourself as a father.
What to expect
The course takes place over one full day and three shorter follow-up sessions, held in community venues, outdoors around a fire and online.
Together, we’ll explore:
practical baby care, soothing and safe sleep;
supporting your partner and sharing the workload at home;
how fatherhood can affect your identity, emotions and relationships;
the kind of dad or male role model you want to be;
managing stress, asking for help and building a support network.
The course combines practical learning, honest conversation, time outdoors and simple creative activities. You’ll meet other local men, learn from one another and take away useful tools to use at home.
You will never be pressured to share more than you want to.
“The practical basics were helpful, but exploring how my emotions, identity and relationships might change was even more valuable.”
“The practical basics were helpful, but exploring how my emotions, identity and relationships might change was even more valuable.”
Previous participants told us
Participants in our pilot courses rated their overall experience an average of 9.3 out of 10.
They also reported feeling more confident as dads, more able to contribute positively at home and more connected to a supportive community.
“I feel more informed about how to be a supportive partner and parent, practically and emotionally.”
“I feel more informed about how to be a supportive partner and parent, practically and emotionally.”
“Knowing I’m not alone makes me feel more supported and confident.”
“Knowing I’m not alone makes me feel more supported and confident.”
“Opening up about my fears and anxieties felt cathartic with a group of fellas in the same boat.”
“Opening up about my fears and anxieties felt cathartic with a group of fellas in the same boat.”
Is Becoming Dads for me?
The course is for men who:
are expecting a child, are already a dad or play a significant caring role in a child’s life
live in Hackney or Tower Hamlets, or have a strong connection to either borough
want to reflect on how they show up for children, partners and families
are interested in learning alongside other men
You might be preparing for your first child, adjusting to life with a new baby or already raising older children. We welcome biological, adoptive, foster, step and trans dads, as well as grandfathers, uncles, partners and other men with an ongoing caring role.
The course is centred on fatherhood, but much of it is relevant to any man who wants to be a caring and dependable presence in a child’s life.
Men from all cultures, backgrounds, beliefs and family circumstances are welcome. You do not need to live with, or be in a relationship with, your child’s mother or co-parent.
Frequently asked questions
Is the course only for first-time dads?
No. First-time and expectant dads are especially welcome, but the course is also open to men who already have children.
Every stage of fatherhood brings new questions. Experienced dads often value the opportunity to reflect, reset and learn from other men.
Can I attend if I’m not a dad?
Yes, provided you play a meaningful and ongoing caring role in a child’s life.
The course is centred on fatherhood, so some parts may be more directly relevant to dads and expectant dads. However, many of its themes—care, relationships, emotional awareness and being a positive male presence—are much wider.
Contact us before registering if you are unsure whether the course is right for you.
Is this group therapy?
No. It is a practical and reflective course about fatherhood and caring for children. There is space for honest conversation, but nobody is forced to speak.
Is it an antenatal course?
It complements antenatal education rather than replacing it. We explore some aspects of birth and baby care, alongside relationships, identity, emotional preparation and the wider experience of being a dad.
Do I need to be outdoorsy or creative?
Not at all. The activities are simple, accessible and require no previous experience.
Can my partner attend?
The main sessions are for dads and other male caregivers, creating space to speak openly with other men. Many of the activities are designed to support conversations with partners and co-parents at home.
Meet the team
Becoming Dads is led by a team of experienced dads, facilitators, storytellers and outdoor practitioners.
The course was created by Jake Garber, an East London dad, artist and facilitator, after experiencing how few spaces there were for men to prepare socially and emotionally for fatherhood.
The course also includes contributions from maternity, parenting and early-years professionals.
Adam Njenga
Adam is the father of 21-year old Jazz.
He is a storyteller, actor, Forest School facilitator and coach. His practice is rooted in creativity, collaboration and curiosity.
Rich Skrein
Rich is an urban woodsman, outdoor professional, storyteller, Forest School teacher trainer, and author.
Prince King-Inneh
I am a Consultant Midwife with a passion for improving maternity experiences and improving the involvement and experiences of fathers and partners within maternity care
Jake Garber
Jake is the dad of 2 year old Bobby.
He is an artist and facilitator who has been running dads groups for over a year.
Course details
Each Becoming Dads course is completely free, and includes a mix of in person and online activities.
We're delighted to announce that we are currently accepting bookings for our next round of courses.
Course 3, Clapton Park Children's Centre:
Session 1, in person: Tuesday 6 October 2026 (6:30-8:30pm)
Session 2, in person: Saturday 10 October 2026 (10am-3pm)
Session 3, in person: Wednesday 14 October 2026 (6:30-8:30pm)
Session 4, online: Monday 19 October 2026 (6:30-8pm)
Course 4, Rangers Kindergarten, Bethnal Green:
Session 1, in person: Wednesday 4 November 2026 (6:30-8:30pm)
Session 2, in person: Saturday 7 November 2026 (10am-3pm)
Session 3, online: Monday 16 November 2026 (6:30-8pm)
It is completely fine to have questions or to be unsure whether the course is for you.
You can speak informally with one of the facilitators before deciding. There is no pressure to join. Email jake@canopy.si with any questions.
Come and learn practical skills, meet other local men and give yourself time to think about how you want to show up for the children and family in your life.
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