Brighton Father Launches National Community Support Network for Dads
Tyler Wilde, 35, has left his job in gym management to run One Dad To Another, a community he created to support fathers across the UK.
From gym manager to community founder
Tyler Wilde, 35, left his role at Madisons Gym in Haywards Heath in July to focus on his growing community for fathers. One Dad To Another began when a small group of fathers started meeting for walks in a local park and has since grown into a thriving network.
The community now has around 120 members across its newsletter and WhatsApp groups, plus more than 600 Instagram followers. Tyler said: "I just love being a dad. As dads, we have an impact and this isn't spoken about enough."
Events drawing dozens of families
One of the community's flagship events was a craft and coffee morning held at a Yellow Wave beach hut on 19 September, which drew 40 dads and their children. The successful turnout was followed by a family Halloween event that sold out.
Tyler said the response shows fathers are seeking spaces to connect. "It feels like we're building some real momentum and I'm so happy with how things are going so far," he added.
Supporting fathers through early parenthood
With a three-year-old daughter and a newborn son just weeks old, Tyler has become an advocate for better paternity support. Earlier this year, he took part in a parent strike at Churchill Square to highlight concerns about flexible working rights and paternity leave in the UK. He also joined a Dad Shift campaign highlighting that fathers are often forced back to work too soon after a child's birth.
Tyler received just two weeks of paternity leave after his daughter was born. "Too many dads miss out in those crucial early weeks when you are finding your feet as a new parent," he said.
Building a national movement
One Dad To Another aims to give fathers a welcoming space to spend time with their children, share experiences and challenge outdated stereotypes. Tyler plans to turn the community into a national movement supporting fathers across the country.
The initiative will generate income through sponsorships and brand partnerships, alongside some paid events. Tyler said: "We'll do a mixture of paid events and free events. But mostly free events for dads."
He added: "I think Brighton has been a good launching pad. I am proud to be doing this with Brighton dads."
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