Programme
A year-long journey for fathers and their sons, aged 8–10. Through play, conversation and shared experiences, we create space for connection and growth.
What we do together
Growing up can be full of questions, emotions and big changes. Rising Sons offers fathers and sons a rare place to pause, play and reconnect.
We don't tell boys what kind of men to become. We help them explore who they already are.
Play and movement
Active activities that bring joy
Storytelling
Stories that spark curiosity
Conversation
Space to talk and reflect
Challenges
Team activities that bond
Our approach
Three principles guide everything we do.
Curiosity
We invite fathers and sons to ask questions, explore feelings and stay open to learning about themselves and each other.
Kindness
We cultivate empathy, emotional awareness and respect, towards ourselves and the group.
Courage
We practise being honest, showing up fully and trying new things in a safe and supportive space.
Each session is held by a trained facilitator who models presence, playfulness, healthy boundaries and steady guidance. No one is expected to have all the answers. What matters most is showing up, listening and growing together.
What a session looks like
Sessions are active, fun and designed for father-son teams. They usually include games, team challenges, creative tasks and time to talk and reflect. Each session encourages cooperation, problem-solving and shared experiences in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Every session is structured but flexible, allowing space for spontaneity and genuine connection. We balance activity with reflection, movement with stillness, challenge with support.
A year at Rising Sons
The year is set up as a journey, where fathers and sons grow in confidence, learn important skills and build strong friendships along the way. Each part builds on the one before it.
Starting strong
Getting to know each other
At the start of the year, the focus is on helping every father and son feel welcome and comfortable. We take time to get to know each other, learn the group rhythms and understand what Rising Sons is all about.
Boys are encouraged to be themselves, try new things and start building friendships. We focus on kindness, listening and learning how to be part of a group.
- Get to know the facilitators and other father-son pairs
- Learn the Rising Sons values in simple, practical ways
- Practise listening, sharing and teamwork
- Build confidence speaking and taking part
Growing skills and confidence
Learning, trying and practising
Once the group feels settled, we start to build new skills and encourage boys to challenge themselves in positive ways. Activities are designed to help boys believe in themselves, handle feelings and work well with others.
Boys learn that it's okay to make mistakes and that trying again is part of learning. Facilitators support them to talk about feelings, solve problems and make good choices.
- Build confidence by trying new activities together
- Learn ways to manage big feelings
- Practise problem-solving and cooperation
- Understand the importance of effort and responsibility
- Deepen their father-son connection through shared challenges
Helping and leading
Being a good friend and role model
As the year goes on, boys are encouraged to think about how their actions affect others. They begin to take more responsibility within the group and learn what it means to be a good leader by helping, listening and setting a positive example.
Leadership at Rising Sons is about kindness, fairness and looking out for others, not being in charge.
- Practise helping and encouraging others
- Take on small responsibilities within the group
- Learn about fairness, respect and teamwork
- Build pride in doing the right thing
- Explore what positive male role-modelling looks like
Looking back and looking ahead
Celebrating the journey
At the end of the year, we take time to look back at how far each boy and each father-son pair has come. Boys are encouraged to notice what they've learned, what they're proud of and how they've grown.
We also help fathers and sons think about how they can use what they've learned at home, at school and with friends.
- Reflect on their favourite moments and achievements
- Celebrate effort, growth and progress
- Build confidence for what comes next
- Feel proud of being part of Rising Sons
- Leave with a stronger connection and shared memories
The year ends with a strong sense of achievement and belonging.
Programme details
Duration
12 months (monthly sessions)
Session length
2 hours per session
Age group
Boys aged 8–10 (Years 4–5)
Group size
Up to 12 pairs per location
Locations
Brighton, St Albans
Start date
April/May 2026
What families receive
- A year-long journey guided by trained facilitators
- A warm, inclusive community of fathers and sons
- Time each month to connect, reflect and have fun together
- Space for boys to build confidence, empathy and self-awareness
- Support for fathers in understanding and supporting their sons
- A programme grounded in safeguarding, equality and inclusion
Throughout the programme
- Caring, consistent facilitators
- Clear routines and expectations
- Fun, active and engaging sessions
- A safe space to talk, learn and grow
- A community of families on the same journey