Support available for new dads across Coventry
Research found around 20 percent of dads feel isolated in their child's first year, and 1 in 10 will be diagnosed with postnatal depression
A new organisation in Coventry is supporting new dads with the challenges of fatherhood.
Fatherhood Solutions has recently been commissioned by Coventry City Council to deliver a programme aimed at supporting fathers from the early stages of pregnancy up until their child's second birthday.
They also offer training and consultation to NHS, local authorities, frontlines services, third sector and the corporate sector.
Scott Mair is an expert in paternal mental health and parenting, and also the director of the group.
He said: “We developed this programme for local people. This is peer support, but we do it through a few different ways. Dads can be referred into the programme, which consists normally of six sessions. Alongside that we run group activities, workshops, or sit and do a session on how to bond with baby, how to interact with baby. We're going to be running sessions on baby massage for dads and how to wear babies in slings.
“So, all we're looking to do is promote that relationship with their child and try and offer them support for their well-being and mental health at the same time.”
He continued: “Sometimes dads explain that they feel ever so slightly on the peripheries of engaging with Family Services. Research now indicates that fathers who are more involved with their children, there are developmental benefits and academic benefits. They are emotionally more equipped to deal with the challenges that life will bring them.
“But it was looking for services, where dads can go to and speak about being a dad and the challenges that might come with it. Statistically, we know 20% of new dads say they felt completely isolated in that first year after their baby was born, particularly if they're the first one within their friendship group to have a baby. Again, we know that one in 10 new fathers will be diagnosed with postnatal depression.”
More information can be found on their website: https://www.ipip.co.uk/fatherhood-solutions/