What we do

Requesting support for you & your family

Dad Matters support is completely free, confidential and non-judgemental.  If you feel you could do with some extra support to prepare for your baby’s birth, or once you become a dad, get in touch.

We support dads across Greater Manchester with one-to-one support, groups, workshops and online support.  Our team brings expertise and lived experience to our support, helping you feel more confident to support your baby and partner, and included as a vital part of your baby’s first years.

We offer compassionate support if you have experienced neonatal loss or bereavement.  Dads often don’t seek the support they need at times like this – they’re so focused on protecting and looking after their partner.  Looking after yourself is really important, both for your own and your family’s wellbeing.

We can support you if:
– You are expecting a baby, or have a child under 2
– You want to know more about building your relationship with your baby and the transition to fatherhood
– You are experiencing mental health challenges such as postnatal depression or anxiety
– You’re feeling isolated, detached, or unsure about your role as a dad
– You’re worried about your baby’s birth, how to support your partner, or have experienced a difficult birth or neonatal loss

What we can offer:
– 1-to-1 peer support: Support to which is tailored to your needs and is flexible to fit in with your busy life.
– Peer support groups: Opportunities for dads to connect, share experiences, and build confidence.
– Home-Start integration: Dads are supported alongside families within local communities and Family Hubs.
– Information and resources: Guidance on attachment, bonding, early child development, and mental health.

Dad Matters works with fathers in the first 1,001 days to strengthen attachment, support mental health, and build confidence in their parenting role. This page provides key information for professionals, referrers, and partners who work with families.

Who can access Dad Matters
– Expectant and new fathers (antenatal to toddler age).
– Fathers experiencing mental health challenges such as postnatal depression or anxiety.
– Fathers who feel isolated, detached, or unsure about their parenting role.

How Dad Matters supports dads
– Workshops and 1-to-1 support: Practical, evidence-based sessions tailored to fathers’ needs.
– Peer support groups: Opportunities for dads to connect, share experiences, and build confidence.
– Home-Start integration: Dads are supported alongside families within local communities and Family Hubs.
– Information and resources: Guidance on attachment, bonding, early child development, and mental health.

Why supporting dads matters
– Fathers play a vital role in their baby’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.
– Early involvement improves secure attachment, reduces parental stress, and benefits the whole family.
– Many dads want support but do not know where to access it, so professional referral can make a real difference.

We accept self-referrals from fathers and referrals from midwives, health visitors, social workers, GP surgeries, and other local services.   

Once we receive your referral we will contact you if we have any queries, and will contact dad as soon as possible.  We typically action referrals within a week of receipt, although this can depend on capacity or other circumstances.

Walk & Talks

A Dad Matters Walk & Talk is a relaxed, supportive meet-up designed to help dads connect with each other, get some fresh air, and talk openly about parenting, mental health, and everyday life.

What to expect at a Walk & Talk:

• A casual, low-pressure environment – it’s simply a friendly walk where dads can chat at their own comfort level with other dads, staff adn volunteers.
• Baby-friendly – many dads bring pushchairs, carriers, or toddlers. The pace is gentle and family friendly.
• Supportive conversation – topics often include;  adjusting to becoming a dad, bonding with your baby, relationship changes, sleep struggles, juggling work and family, and mental wellbeing.  You can talk as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.
• Meet other dads- it’s a chance to meet people going through the same stage of life.  Many dads say it helps them feel less isolated.
• Led by a member of the Dad Matters team with lived experience, who’ll welcome newcomers, keep the pace comfortable, offer signposting to support services if needed and keep the vibe safe & inclusive.
• No judgment, no experience needed – we welcome first-time dads, expecting dads, stepdads, and seasoned dads.  You don’t need to prepare anything or have a specific issue to discuss.