How Music Is Transforming the Lives of Dads in Blaenau Gwent

 

Inside Out Cymru and Flying Start Blaenau Gwent are proud to offer a glimpse into ‘Nurturing Dads’ – a creative wellbeing project delivered across Blaenau Gwent in partnership with musician Alex Lupo, writer Leigh Manley and the Dads Support team, and kindly funded by the Baring Foundation’s Creative Men grants programme.
 
Launched on International Men’s Day, our film highlights how music has given local men an opportunity for connection, improved confidence, and improved wellbeing, many of whom arrived feeling isolated, low in confidence, or unsure of how to engage creatively.
 
Facilitated by professional musician and music therapist Alex Lupo, the workshops invited dads of all abilities – from complete beginners to experienced musicians – to explore songwriting, music technology, ‘jamming’, improvisation and listening sessions. Music provided a low-pressure, accessible entry point, enabling dads to create side-by-side, share experiences, and build friendships.

“I wanted to encourage a sort of… a different view of masculinity’ says Lupo, whose approach centres on creativity, collaboration and emotional openness.

Participants reported significant positive change:

●       67% said they felt more creative

●       100% said they felt better about their support network

●       Several dads reported feeling more able to cope with challenges at home after attending the sessions

One dad shared:

“These sessions give me a different space to talk, where I feel understood, supported and not judged.”

Another participant began contributing bass lines, recording layered tracks, and reconnecting with a sense of confidence and purpose.

The success of ‘Nurturing Dads’ is rooted in the strong partnership between Inside Out Cymru, Flying Start, and the Dads Support team – an approach that centres personalised support, consistency and co-creation.

The project team is now preparing for Year 2, with a shared commitment to deepening engagement and continuing to build meaningful, sustainable support for dads across the region.

To get involved with our upcoming sessions, please contact:

Blaenau Gwent Family Information Service, 01495 369 610

To know more about the project, please contact:

Becca May Collins, engage@inside-out-cymru.org