Portsmouth Celebrates International Men’s Day, Honouring Local Heroes

On Friday, November 22nd, Portsmouth came together to celebrate International Men’s Day with an inspiring event hosted by Dadzclub, a key initiative of The Parenting Network. The evening recognised over 50 local men for their outstanding contributions to the community, highlighting the positive impact they’ve made in the lives of others.

Matt Foster, CEO of The Parenting Network, reflected on the significance of the event:
“It was incredible to see so many people come together to celebrate, reflect, and support men’s mental health, well-being, and positive role models in our community. Events like this are vital because they provide a space to address the challenges men face while celebrating their contributions and the positive change they bring to our world.”

This year’s celebration was held at The Forge, the newest venue acquired by The Parenting Network. The Forge is dedicated to fostering connection, community, and well-being, making it the perfect setting for this inspiring event. Attendees were treated to motivational talks from local well-being specialist Alfie Ruffell and Colin Maclachlan, renowned for his role on SAS: Who Dares Wins. The atmosphere was charged with compassion and vulnerability as men shared their stories, building strength and solidarity through shared experiences.

Congratulations to all nominees and particularly to the recipients of the awards:

• Inspiring Young Male – Issac Kavanagh
• Dadzclub Parenting Award – Rick Terry
• Mental Health and Wellbeing – Tom Bigwood
• Unsung Hero – John Turnbull
• Community and Inclusion – CP Robinson
• Overcoming Adversity – Duke Harrison-Hunter

The Parenting Network is a vital charitable organisation that works tirelessly to empower families at every stage of parenting. Through initiatives like Dadzclub, Young Mums’ Club, and Bump & Baby, they provide safe, inclusive spaces where parents can connect, find support, and build brighter futures. Their Portsmouth Baby Bank offers essential supplies and emotional support to families in financial need, ensuring that no child in Portsmouth is left without basic necessities.

In the past year alone, The Parenting Network has:

• Delivered 712 sessions to support parents and caregivers.
• Engaged with 11,430 community members.
• Provided 5,369 meals to children.
• Supported 1,816 children through the Portsmouth Baby Bank, which has seen a 23% increase in referrals.
  These figures highlight the growing demand for their services and the critical role they play in our community.

Despite their achievements, The Parenting Network faces significant challenges in securing the funding needed to sustain and expand their essential work. Without stable financial support, the organisation risks losing momentum at a time when their services are more crucial than ever.

This is where Portsmouth’s business community can make a transformative difference. By partnering with The Parenting Network, forward-thinking businesses can contribute to creating lasting positive change for local families. Partnerships offer not only the chance to give back but also the opportunity to align with a respected community-focused organisation, enhancing your corporate social responsibility profile.