StrongDads CIC Awarded £19,900 National Lottery Grant — 'From Isolation to Brotherhood' Launches in the Valleys
- Adam Lloyd
- Mar 4
- 2 min read
Merthyr, Wales - 04 March 2026
StrongDads CIC, a Community Interest Company dedicated to empowering fathers, is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a significant grant of £19,900 from the National Lottery Awards for All. This vital funding will fuel the launch of "From Isolation to Brotherhood," a transformative 12-month project aimed at combating social isolation and enhancing the well-being of fathers and military veterans across Wales.
What is "From Isolation to Brotherhood"?
"From Isolation to Brotherhood" is a comprehensive initiative designed to create a robust support ecosystem for fathers and veteran fathers. The project will establish three regional outdoor training hubs in Caerphilly, Merthyr, and Cardiff, alongside a growing online community. This dual approach ensures that fathers have access to both in-person connections and digital resources, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
Why is This Project So Important?
Fathers in Wales are currently facing a silent crisis of social isolation and declining physical and mental health, exacerbated by the pressures of modern life and the cost-of-living crisis. Statistics reveal that men are approximately three times more likely to die by suicide than women [1], and a significant percentage of new fathers experience perinatal depression and mental health concerns [2]. Furthermore, nearly 70% of men in the UK are overweight or obese, with a notable decline in fitness after becoming a father [3]. These challenges not only impact fathers directly but also have profound ripple effects on their families and the wider community.
StrongDads CIC believes that by supporting fathers, we strengthen the very foundation of our communities. This project directly addresses these critical needs by providing free, accessible, and father-focused resources.
Where Will It Happen?
The project will primarily focus on establishing three regional outdoor training hubs in:
Caerphilly
Merthyr
Cardiff
These hubs will offer monthly outdoor training sessions that combine physical activity with community building, utilising the natural landscapes of Wales. Complementing these physical hubs, the StrongDads Digital Community will serve as an online platform for peer support, educational resources (including "The StrongDad Show" podcast), and structured wellness programs, aiming to connect over 500 Welsh dads.
What Happens Next?
With the National Lottery funding secured, StrongDads CIC will immediately begin implementing the "From Isolation to Brotherhood" project. Key next steps include:
Establishing Outdoor Hubs: Setting up the three regional outdoor training hubs in Caerphilly, Merthyr, and Cardiff.
Growing the Digital Community: Expanding the online platform to reach and support 500+ Welsh fathers.
Volunteer Training: Training six volunteer facilitators (two per hub) to lead sessions and foster community leadership.
Program Delivery: Rolling out structured wellness programs, peer support initiatives, and educational resources.
This project is set to deliver measurable and lasting impact, aligning with the National Lottery’s priorities to bring people together, improve community spaces, enable individuals to fulfil their potential, and support those facing increased demands due to the cost-of-living crisis.
StrongDads CIC is committed to creating a self-sustaining network of support, envisioning a future where fathers are more engaged, families are stronger, and communities are more connected.
References
1.Office for National Statistics. (2024). Suicides in England and Wales.
2.PANDAS Foundation. (2024). PANDAS Foundation Statistics.
3.UK Government. (2025). Health Survey for England 2024.
4.Grant Proposal: From Isolation to Brotherhood. (2026). StrongDads CIC. [Internal Document]
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