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Support for Dads

Support for Dads

Being a dad can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also come with its challenges. There’s no handbook that tells you exactly how to do things, and balancing work, family life, and your own wellbeing can sometimes feel overwhelming. Every child is different too, which means what works for one might not work for another — and that takes patience, flexibility, and plenty of trial and error.

To help, we’ve created a ‘Dadicated’ page full of information, support, and practical resources specifically for dads. The page is introduced and endorsed in the attached video by Mark, a local dad, who shares why he hopes dads can easily access the support and information they need.

Throughout this website, we offer a wide range of support for all parents and carers. We also have a section specifically for parents and carers, where you’ll find online courses, guidance, support, and signposting to services designed to help you feel more confident and supported in your parenting journey www.wakefieldfamiliestogether.co.uk/support-for-parents-and-carers/

Information for pregnancy, birth and beyond

Becoming a dad

This film explores the journey into new fatherhood, told through the voices of five real-life dads.

The dads share their expectations, experiences, emotional ups and downs, and offer advice to others.

The film follows their journeys; from pregnancy and childbirth, through to the challenges of sleep deprivation and the joys of building secure connections.

The film aims to promote conversation; encouraging dads to open up about their experiences and to seek help if they need it.

DadPad

As a new dad, it’s common to feel excited but also left out, unsure or overwhelmed. The DadPad provides you with the practical skills and information that you need during pregnancy, around birth and beyond. To find out more visit www.thedadpad.co.uk

 

How can I help with the birth?

There are a number of things you can do to help your expectant partner and baby in the run up to labour and after the birth. Here are the main tips and advice: How can partners help with the birth? – BBC Tiny Happy People

10 Tips for birthing partners

Find out what you can do as a birthing partner to support your partner during labour and birth: Tips for your birthing partner or partners – NHS

Lift the Baby – Safer Sleep Advice for New Dads/Male Carers

Being a new dad is an amazing experience, but it’s also exhausting. Find out about safe sleep for you and your baby: Lift the baby video. There is a short video followed by lots of helpful tips and advice.

For more information on safer sleep, visit the Lullaby Trust website.

Groups for Dads

There are a number of clubs for dads across the district, please see details below.

If you have a similar free club that you would like to promote here, please contact via email WakefieldFamiliesTogether@wakefield.gov.uk

Dad’s Club

“Dads’ Club was a great space to relax for a couple of hours, to really be ‘me’ and not just ‘Dad’.”

At Dads’ Club you can play pool, darts, table tennis and more whilst chatting with other dads and sharing your experiences of family life.

Upcoming Dads’ Clubs – what you need to know:

Wednesday 16 September, Wednesday 21 October, Wednesday 18 November, Wednesday 16 December

6:00pm – 8:00pm

Platform One Youth Hub, Hemsworth, WF9 4AB

Simply turn up!

Call 01977 722215 for any questions

Bring a mate or make one here – you’ll never be on your own!

Men’s Social Club

Local men’s social club. 18+

Tuesday’s 5pm-7pm.

@ St George’s Community Centre

Free Entry – suggested donation for food is £2 but pay as you can.

Dart’s, Dominoes, Cards, and chat.

No pressure: drop in, hang out.

Perinatal Dad’s Walk and Talk

For dads with children aged 0-2 years to go for a walk and talk. Here are the upcoming dates:

Saturday’s 10am – 12pm:

20 June at Pugneys Country Park, WF2 7BN

18 July at Pontefract Park, WF8 4QD

22 August at Anglers Country Park, WF4 2EB

19 September Fairburn Ings Visitor Centre, WF10 2BH

Contact Mark on 07376 326152, or email mboocock@homestartwakefield.org.uk

Men’s Catch-Up Group

Open to all men, this groups provides a friendly space for games and conversation. We also offer one-to-one health and nutrition support, circuit sessions, and cooking groups – all completely free!

The group runs every Monday 1-2pm at CRT Knottingley Hub, Hill Top, Pontefract Road WF11 8ER.

Contact Matt via email: communitiesactive@coalfields-regen.org.uk

Wellbeing Support for Dads

Dad Matters

Dad Matters supports dads from antenatal to postnatal through pregnancy, birth and bonding with your baby whilst supporting your own mental health and well-being. Find out more at the Dad Matters Yorkshire website.

Mark is a Dad’s Coordinator and can provide you with bespoke support. Call 01924 251205 to contact Mark.

Dads Do It Differently

Supports dads with children 3-12 years old, signposting , emotional support, behaviour, strategies and parenting interventions.

Mark is a Dad’s Coordinator and can provide you with bespoke support. Call 01924 251205 to contact Mark.

NHS information leaflet

Click here to view the NHS leaflet that has information on how becoming a parent might affect your emotional wellbeing, what to do if the birth was distressing for you, how to bond with baby, how to support your partner, and useful websites as well as where to get help.

Andy’s Man Club

The aim of the club is to provide men with a safe space where they feel comfortable to talk and open up about their experiences in a room free of judgment.

Andy’s Man Club groups are free of charges and bookings, completely confidential and a place that is free of any judgement – you can simply turn up, and talk as much or as little as you desire with no pressure.

Find an Andy’s Man Club near you.

MAN MATTERS

Offering a range of Practical & Emotional Support to anyone who identifies as Male, is over 18 and lives in the District of Wakefield. We work with anyone who identifies as male to improve self-worth and overcome challenges such as suicidal tendencies and low self-esteem.

  • 1-2-1 Practical & Emotional Support
  • Person Centred Counselling
  • Coffee Groups

Find out more at the website: www.linktr.ee/manmattersuk

Family Hubs and Family Voice

There are 9 Family Hubs across the Wakefield district running lots of groups for parents, carers and families to support with healthy relationships, infant feeding, child development, emotional wellbeing and much more. All dads are welcome at the Family Hubs, find your nearest one and what groups they have by clicking here.

Each Family Hub has a Family Voice Meeting, giving parents and carers the opportunity to feedback on their experience of services and being involved in practical change. How have you found services as a dad? Join your local Family Voice Meeting and tell us!

The Dad Squad | BBC - Tiny Happy People

The BBC’s Tiny Happy People website has lots of videos and resources to support you through every part of parenthood. The Dad Squad is a series of short videos showing dads take on the daily challenges of parenting – from dealing with a rainy day out, to supermarket tantrums.

Children's Health Services app - Supporting Dads

Harrogate District NHS Foundation Trust have a Childrens Health Service App with lots of information around childrens health. There is a specific area for Supporting Dads. Download the app to find out more: Download Our App | HDFT Childrens Health Service