A thriving community that has already helped hundreds of fathers across Essex is now bringing its unique blend of friendship, support and parenting advice to Ipswich.
Following a successful first year in Colchester and Chelmsford, Good Dads Club is launching its first Suffolk group, giving local dads and dads-to-be a chance to connect with others navigating the often rewarding, and sometimes challenging, journey of parenthood.
With more than 500 fathers already part of the Good Dads Club community, founder Matt Krishnan-Bird says the group’s success comes from creating a welcoming environment where men can openly share experiences and build meaningful friendships.
“Good Dads Club is a welcoming community for dads and dads-to-be,” Matt told Ipswich.love.
“So much of the early days of parenting is focused on the needs of mums, and understandably so. However, there can often be a bit of a void for new dads who are trying to build connections with other men at a similar stage of life.
“We have always aimed for Good Dads Club to complement, rather than compete with, the groups that already exist for mums. We are very aware that by providing a safe space for dads to explore the ups and downs of parenting, it can benefit everyone in the family.”
As concerns around loneliness and isolation continue to affect many parents, community groups like Good Dads Club are helping to create valuable support networks beyond the family home. While parenting remains at the heart of the project, members often find themselves building friendships that extend far beyond discussions about nappies, nursery drop-offs and bedtime routines.
Support from Good Dads Club centres around active WhatsApp communities and regular meet-ups, including walks, picnics and soft play sessions with the children. The group also organises run clubs, dinner clubs and its popular ‘Beers & Braids’ events, giving dads opportunities to socialise both with and without their children.
The new Ipswich group will be led by local father Matt Hudson, who has personally experienced the benefits of the community over the past year.
“Ultimately, it’s a community for dads seeking parenting advice, support and reassurance that their experiences are not unique,” Matt said.
“I’m a dad to two young girls, and there is so much to take on in those early years that nobody tells you about. Being part of Good Dads Club has given me an incredible community of fathers who are experiencing the same highs and lows.
“Conversations in the groups cover a wide range of topics beyond parenting too, and some fantastic friendships have already been formed through Good Dads Club.
“We’re really looking forward to getting started in Ipswich and meeting dads from across the town and surrounding areas.”
The launch of the Ipswich group marks the first step into Suffolk for Good Dads Club, and organisers hope it will become a supportive space for fathers from across Ipswich, Kesgrave, Woodbridge, Felixstowe and the surrounding villages.
For local dads looking to make new connections, swap advice or simply meet others who understand the realities of modern fatherhood, the group could prove to be a welcome addition to the town’s growing community network.
To join the conversation, fathers can connect through the Good Dads Club WhatsApp community.
Ipswich.love says: Community groups often thrive because they meet a need people don’t always talk about. For many dads, parenthood can be an amazing experience, but it can also feel isolating at times. Good Dads Club is aiming to make sure local fathers know they’re not facing those challenges alone.
Good Dads Club
We are a group of new Dads who will meet up, talk, laugh, socialise and help each other navigate through the rollercoaster that is parenthood, making friends in the process!
Events with Good Dads Club
- Thu 26th Nov 2026
Who wrote this about Ipswich?
Sam Sherman
Sam is a Co-Founder of Ipswich.love. Passionate about Ipswich, Sam looks to see how we might jointly reverse some of the recent negativity and bring some deserved positivity back to our beloved Town.
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