happydads is an Outliers project. Created because the world needs happy dads!

why happydads was created. the founders story.

I’m Matt, the Founder of Outliers and happydads. I founded Outliers 2-weeks before the first lockdown and although it wasn't the ideal start for the organisation, wellbeing shot up people's agendas and it turned out ok.

A little about me; I haven’t followed a ‘traditional’ route. I had a 22-year career in professional and semi-professional football. The longevity I enjoyed was brought about by deliberate hard work and getting s**t done, something I value. I have always wanted to do things differently and this quest has challenged me to find what works for me, how I find balance in my life, and how I manage my own personal wellbeing… not always easy.

happydads is my latest creation and if I’m being truthful, it feels as though my whole life has pointed towards this. It started when I was 16 when my dad disappeared, never to be seen again. No blueprint about what it means to be a “good” dad, no one to learn from or guidance to follow. Being a dad to two amazing children (Dorothy and Edward) has challenged me like nothing else; confused, angry, worthless, inept, sad, incompetent, worried... you name it, those emotions have bitten hard. So many amazing emotions, also. Developing strategies to maintain my wellbeing, be the dad I want to be and continue to perform has been tough. The key thing I’ve realised is that so many dads are going through the same... and that is why happydads has been created. Get involved!

So, what is happydads?

  • corporate

    How often does your organisation discuss the challenges of fatherhood? Do you have support in place to support dads? What about provision for partners who are worried about the dads in their lives?

    Within a corporate setting, we can offer workshops, coaching and resources. The workshops and resources are for everyone, whereas the coaching is for dads only.

  • community

    The community is there for dads to come together, share, do some cool stuff and have a sense of belonging. Dads aren’t alone in their challenges, and having a community there to support you is incredibly powerful.

    We’ll do walks, wild swims, BBQ’s and much more. Active, fulfilling and not revolving around five pints.

    Community also applies to our ‘partners’; those organisations in a similar space that are doing amazing work to support men, dads, families and the many challenges we face.

  • apparel

    This is where this venture started. Wouldn't it be great to buy those dads in your life some cool apparel that signifies your feelings about them.

    We also have the vision that dads will walk past each other in the streets in our gear, and give a nod of appreciation - further enhancing the power of this amazing community.

what we explore

You'll be pleased to hear that there’s data, research and rigour behind happydads... as well as being a fricking cool thing to be a part of. Every element explored is carefully thought out. This will ensure those involved can leave a session, workshop, or meet-up with something tangible to implement into their lives. We have taken Dr Ginsburgs 7-Cs of Resilience and adapted it into something specific for dads. This will run through all of our work.

contact the founder.

matt@outlierswellbeing.com

connect with matt via the logo below: