Becoming a dad can be a rewarding, exciting, and challenging time. It’s not unusual to experience a range of emotions that can impact how we think and feel.
There are lots of things which can be useful to help support wellbeing. Your Health Visitor will signpost you to appropriate services.
Below is a list of local support groups, websites, helplines, and apps.
Local support groups
Cub and Calf Dad’s group, the first Sunday of every month West Kirby.
Peer support group – a great opportunity to meet other Dads, share experiences and knowledge and prioritise time for you! The group meets once a month from 2.00pm – 3.00pm:
- Monday 24 March
- Monday 19 May
- Monday 14 July
- Monday 11 August
Location: Seacombe Family Hub, Seacombe Children’s Centre, St Paul’s Rd, Wallasey CH44 7AN
Contact David 07825 098 403 for details.
Stay and play group for Dads with children under 5 – a relaxed environment for Dads to meet other Dads whilst having fun with their children. The group meets once a month from 2.00pm – 3.00pm:
Location: Seacombe Family Hub, Seacombe Children’s Centre, St Paul’s Rd, Wallasey CH44 7AN
- Monday 10 March
- Monday 7 April
- Monday 2 June
- Monday 30 June
- Monday 28 July
Supporting Baby’s Emotional Wellbeing
The ‘Getting to Know Your Baby’ videos from Association for Infant Mental Health (AiMH) have been designed to help parents, caregivers, and health professionals to know how to support the development of a baby’s emotional wellbeing. Watch the videos.
Organisations and helplines
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Wirral Mind – support around mental health
Wirral Pathfinders – mental health support.
Turn2me – online support groups around anxiety, suicidal thoughts, stress management, and general mental health. Sign up online to access groups.
Dads Matter – providing support for dads worried about suffering from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress (PTSD).
Mentell – a UK charity that provides groups for males aged 18+ to talk in a safe and confidential space, free from advice and judgment.
Samaritans – whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Domestic Abuse
Men’s Advice Line -male telephone support for domestic violence and abuse.
Mankind Initiative -support for victims of domestic abuse.
Merseyside Domestic Violence Services -groups for male perpetrators of domestic violence.
Shout! – text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 Free 24/7 mental health support.
Papyrus – helpline for under 35s who are experiencing thoughts of suicide. Call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email [email protected]
CWP Mental Health Crisis Line (24/7) – call 0800 145 6485
WEB (Well-being empowering brighter futures) self-esteem building, maintenance of the mind session and counselling.
Relationships
Relate – relationship counselling.
Gingerbread – support for single fathers.
Both Parents Matter – our vision is of a society where every child is enabled and supported to maintain a meaningful and loving relationship with both parents and their wider families.
Separated Dads – advice and support for separated fathers.
Bereavement
Love Jasmine Bereavement Support – tel: 0151 252 3145
Family Support
Koala Northwest – support for families.
Debt and Financial Welfare
Citizens Advice Bureau Wirral – tel: 0300 33 00 111
Christians against Poverty – debt counselling service.
PTSD Support
Sole Survivor – support for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Sexual Assault
Safeline – support for victims of male rape.
RASA Merseyside – support around sexual abuse or rape.
Useful websites
BBC Bitesize – New Dads Your Guide to Good Mental Health
Fatherhood Institute – support, research and working with public service employers to help them see and respect fathers.
Mind – support and advice for anyone experiencing a mental health issue.
NHS – information on all mental health difficulties.
Mood Cafe – common mental health difficulties.
Mental Health Organsiation – information, research and resources.
Action for Happiness – ways to improve mood.
Psychology Tools – self-help materials and CBT worksheets.
Doc Ready – preparing for a mental health appointment.
Get Self Help – a range of self-help materials for many mental health difficulties.
Stonewall – information and advice for LGBTQ+ people on a range of issues.
Useful digital apps
Dadpad – Advice and Developed in partnership with the NHS.
Tiny Happy People – new Dad’s guide to good mental health.
Headspace – mindfulness app.
Calm – mindfulness and meditation techniques.
Sleepio – an online sleep improvement programme.
Other apps are listed in the resource centre on the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services website.
