It started with a good group of lads – Callum’s story

Becoming a parent can feel overwhelming, especially when support is hard to find. For Callum, a dad from Newcastle, this meant pressure, isolation and a struggle with his mental health.

Finding North East Young Dads and Lads helped him realise he wasn’t alone. It gave him practical skills, time outdoors and the confidence to build a stronger relationship with his kids.

North East Young Dads and Lads is part of the Birds, Bikes, Bees and Trees project, supported by the Climate Action Fund (CAF). CAF supports communities across the UK to act on climate change and involve more people in environmental action.

When becoming a dad feels heavier than expected

There’s no handbook for parenthood. For Callum, the early days of being a dad were tough. Spending long stretches indoors, trying to keep up with new responsibilities, his mental health began to suffer.

Depression crept in, and Callum knew he needed support. He connected with North East Young Dads and Lads through a one-to-one session – a space to talk openly, without judgement, to someone who understood the pressure young dads can face.

Those early conversations mattered. Being listened to helped Callum feel less alone and reassured him that struggling didn’t mean he was failing.

Learning new skills and getting outside

It didn’t take long for Callum to see that North East Young Dads and Lads offered more than emotional support. The group builds young men’s confidence through practical, hands-on activities.

Through the project, Callum learned new skills like bike maintenance and beekeeping. These sessions gave him time outdoors, practical skills to be proud of and a chance to connect with others without pressure.

Getting outside, moving his body and working alongside other dads gave Callum space to breathe. Conversations often flowed more when hands were busy and expectations were low.

“When my children were first born, my depression was really bad. The Birds, Bikes, Bees & Trees project got us out of the house much more. Instead of being in the same four walls all the time. It’s made us make friends as well, which I never used to have.” – Callum

More than just bikes

With support from CAF, North East Young Dads and Lads run a bike programme that removes common barriers to cycling. So, Callum didn’t only learn how to repair bikes – he could also ride them, without needing to buy or own one.

For many young dads, this makes a real difference. The group provides bike trailers, so dads can bring their kids along. Family rides and group cycles give dads relaxed spaces to talk, support each another and enjoy the mental health benefits of spending time outdoors.

Through drop-in sessions and bike workshops, Callum found new friends and a community of men facing similar challenges. That shared experience made it easier to open up, build confidence and learn healthier ways to cope. This helped Callum find balance and strengthen his relationship with his kids.

Supporting young dads and lads

Since starting in 2017, North East Young Dads and Lads has supported more than 800 young dads.

The impact reaches beyond individual stories. Feedback from participants shows:

• 90% feel closer to their kids
• many report improved mental wellbeing
• dads feel more confident talking about their problems
• dads share and normalise positive, caring models of masculinity (like hugging!)

Some young men go on to volunteer with the programme or work as support workers. Others qualify as Cycling UK bike leaders, using their skills to support new groups coming through.

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We support environmental projects of all shapes and sizes. We offer grants from £300 up to £20,000 through our open Awards for All programme to grants over £500,000 through our Climate Action Fund. Find out more about environment funding in your area and apply