Dad La Soul, one of the partners in the UOK network, is bringing its work to Eastbourne for the first time this August, in partnership with Foundry.
The Dad La Soul x Foundry Sessions soft launch takes place at Foundry Eastbourne, 78 The Beacon, BN21 3NW, on Thursday 13 August 2026, from 7pm to 9pm. Advance booking is required and places are limited.
The evening is built for dads, grandads and male-identifying carers aged 16 and over, from any background or situation. It is also open to people from local organisations who already support men and families in the town, including schools, mental health services, businesses, sports clubs and community groups, whatever their gender.
A starting point, not a finished offer
Dad La Soul has received National Lottery funding to take its work into new towns, and the charity is clear that it is not arriving with a fixed plan for Eastbourne.
The purpose of the night is to find out whether the approach fits, what local dads actually want, and what should follow. That might be regular programmes, evening meet-ups like this one, dads-only playdates for younger children, or something else entirely. Ideas raised on the night will shape future speakers, activities, formats and local partnerships.
What to expect
Music, guest speakers, honest stories and conversation, in a private venue rather than a clinical setting. Dad La Soul is explicit that nobody has to stand up, share their circumstances or explain why they came, and that people can join in as much or as little as they want.
As the poster for the event puts it: “It’s not networking. It’s not group therapy. It’s just a bloody good idea.”
Dad La Soul nights elsewhere in Sussex have covered everything from co-parenting and SEND to relationships, work, IVF, gaming and VR, board games, DJ workshops, suicide prevention training, sea swims, live music and book clubs.
Why it matters
Fatherhood can shrink a social life without anyone noticing. Friendships thin out, childcare is expensive, and old mates drift into the occasional message. Dad La Soul was set up to counter that, using good events and good company as the route in, so that connection and honest conversation happen naturally rather than being asked for.
The charity has run more than 500 events for 12,000 families since it started in Sussex, and its work has been featured by the BBC, ITV, The Guardian, The Sunday Times, Radio 4, TED and BBC Radio 1. As part of the UOK network, Dad La Soul offers free, community-based mental health and wellbeing support for dads and male carers across Brighton, Hove and East Sussex.
How to book
Book a free place through Eventbrite. More information about the charity is at www.dadlasoul.com, or on its UOK service page.
Download the poster using the link below:
