The Busy Dads Club - County Durham

25/01/2026

Happy New Year, everyone. I know we are getting close to February but there’s a reason why this is late ⏰

I wanted to check in and be 100% honest about how my year has started.

To be blunt, it’s been a massive struggle. Between a close family health scare that knocked us sideways and the burnout from a non-stop December, I found myself in a really dark place. When family health is on the line, you automatically think the worst. It made me lose focus; I didn't want to work, and I couldn't find any reason to want to be there.

I’ll be honest, Christmas is always a tough one for me. The songs, the missing loved ones... it often takes me back to when my parents divorced. That split literally tore our family in two and separated me from my two older brothers. Combine those memories with being let down by people I trusted and invested time in 😓and I hit a wall.

I questioned everything. I questioned why I do this, why I put so much into this group, and honestly? I wanted to walk away.

What changed? You lot.

The Lads and Dads who reached out just to let me talk or help me reframe what was happening—you’re the reason I’m still want to continue ☺️

This proves that what we’ve built here actually works. It’s not about financial gain; it’s about this community.

This rough patch has given me some much-needed perspective:
🙌🏼 Family First: My New Year’s resolution isn't about the gym; it’s about putting myself and my family first in every business and group decision I make.

🧓The Power of Role Models: Looking at the men in this group reminds me that we have the best role models right here.

🏃‍♂️Community Strength: You kept me going when I didn't think I had anything left and I know many others who have benefited by this group!

A Reminder to All of You

Thank you to everyone who checked in—you know who you are. 🫶🏽

Please remember why we started this.

Whether you need a chat, help moving house, support finding work, or professional help, we are here.

Don’t go through it alone. Get in touch. 🙌🏼

Onwards and upwards for 2026

Take a oook at what we achieved in 2025! I couldn’t even fit all the great events on below 👇🏽

Thanks for reading - Rob

#2026

23/01/2026

💙 We’re delighted to share some brilliant news… 💙

Brothers CIC has been awarded funding from The National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All to support the next six months of our Busy Dads sports sessions 🙌

Thanks to National Lottery players, this funding will allow us to expand our Busy Dads project, delivering free, weekly sports sessions across multiple local venues.

These sessions provide a safe, welcoming space where men of all ages and backgrounds can come together, get active, reduce stress, and build positive connections.

We know that many men experience isolation, pressure, and stigma around opening up. By using sport as an accessible entry point, Busy Dads helps men improve their mental and physical wellbeing, build friendships, and strengthen their role within their families and communities , before issues reach crisis point.

At a time when the cost of living crisis is placing extra strain on households, this support means we can continue to offer free, inclusive sessions, removing barriers and ensuring more men can access the support and connection they need.

We are incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and to everyone who plays the National Lottery. Your support is making a real difference locally and helping us reach more men, in more places, at the right time.

Thank you for believing in our work 💙

18/01/2026

Sessions this week

Monday
Dads football 8:30pm King James I Community
Tuesday
Dadminton 6:30pm Shildon Leisure Centre
Thursday
(Football off this week) Jog and chat 6:30pm

If you require info or would like to book a session drop us a comment or a DM

#2026

16/01/2026

Brilliant news

18/12/2025

Alright gents, hope you’re all surviving the Christmas madness so far! 🎄

Just a quick one to say that while it’s the 'most wonderful time of the year,' it can also be a bit of a graft. 🤔

If the chaos is getting a bit much, or if you just fancy an hour away from the tinsel and the toys, give me a shout.🙏

Always up for a pint, a coffee, or just a quick chat if anyone needs to vent. 👌🏽

No pressure, just putting it out there. Look after yourselves! 🍻☕"

Check in with us, drop us a DM at anytime for a chat 💬

07/12/2025

Great turn out last night 🙌🏼

Andy Coates won this years pool tournament and also got the against one his mates the winner from last year Brian 👌🏽

Merry Christmas everyone 🎅

Just remember, this time of year is tough for a lot of people! 😔

The financial burden and pressure of Christmas, we see a raise in problems in relationships and it can be a difficult time for many! 😓

So, if you need to talk or need support 🗣️ please reach out 🙏

26/11/2025

26/11/2025

Help us decide which goal was best? 👇🏽

Comment 1,2 or 3

The Busy Dads Club - County Durham
Brothers CIC

23/11/2025

We have lots of availability this week 😊

Check out this weeks sessions below 👇🏽

Available to all 😊

If it’s your first session let us know and we can send you a code to book in free of charge

https://bookwhen.com/thebusydadsclub

23/11/2025

This morning, Bob and our team had the privilege of meeting one of the many wonderful families who have so kindly been donating clothes to our recycling scheme!

A huge thank you goes to Robert Proud and The Busy Dads Club , who not only organised the initiative but have also taken the time to personally collect every single donation for us. We massively appreciate the effort and commitment.

The money generated from this scheme goes directly toward supporting and housing people experiencing homelessness in the Northeast.

💙🧡𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 🧡💙

19/11/2025

18/11/2025

After last weeks interview Monty received a backlash from his comments about being top scorer, some people even doubting his ability 😞

However, he worked hard to silence the haters 😅

Check out his goal this week 🙌🏼

Want to join us we play football Mondays and Thursdays

And have a badminton club and running club on a Tuesday