Dads bonded during a special ‘barbecue, bushcraft and beer’ evening organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The session was for dads and male carers with children receiving care at The Treehouse, in Ipswich.
It took place within the hospice grounds and they learnt new skills, including traditional ways to light a fire and how to build a shelter.
They also got to sit down and forge new connections while enjoying a barbecue and beer together.
Six dads attended and one of them brought his 16-year-old son.
The evening was organised by EACH Music Therapist Ray Travasso.
He said: “It was a brilliant, fun night and another massive success.
“It’s so important, in terms of the hospice service we provide, to organise events specifically for dads. It’s something we want to continue and grow.
“Their emotional needs and wellbeing can sometimes be overlooked, especially if they’re the ones holding the family together.
“Life can be tough and it can be easy for them to lose touch with other guys.
“However, having social time together is vitally important and beneficial and that’s why evenings like this are so unique.
“They get to be with others in a similar situation and seeing them sit around the fire, chatting and laughing, felt very spiritual, earthy and human.”
The bushcraft session was run by expert Jim Gibson-Cranch.
Some of the dads had been to previous events, whereas for others it was their first time.
“Connecting people together is an important part of our service and we had some lovely feedback afterwards,” added Ray.
“One of the dads told me it was the first time he’d had a proper evening out, and felt his old self, for two years. Hearing that reminded me how important these events are.”
Ray is planning another dads’ get-together later in the year, with one possible theme being a non-alcoholic beer tasting session.
