Sometimes becoming or being a dad might not be how you once imagined it would be. This could be a result of anything from trouble with your own mental health to a difficult pregnancy or birth to experiencing miscarriage or baby loss and postnatal depression.
It's understandable that you might feel that there isn't support out there specifically for you and your individual needs but whatever you are feeling and whatever the reason, if you think you might need help, there are plenty of fantastic organisations waiting to support you.
There are also some fantastic apps just for dads too.
Dad specific support
Dads House offers emotional support, combating loneliness and isolation by being available to chat with Dads on the phone or in-person at their drop-in centre, breakfast clubs, law clinics, food banks and accommodation/housing. Email info@dadshouse.org.uk or ring 07765 183504 and ask for Billy.
Dads Matter UK provides information and support for dads worried about or suffering from Depression, Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Contact them here.
Non-dad specific organisations
Your problem might not be related to being a dad but you still need support with your general mental wellbeing. If this is the case, here are some mental health support organisations for you.
A charity that specifically supports men following bereavement, they offer telephone-based peer support service from volunteers with first-hand experience of losing a loved one. Find out more.
This men’s Mental Health Charity offers free-to-attend talking groups for men and challenges the stigmas around Male Mental Health. Find your nearest club.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) aims to provoke conversation, running life-saving services, and bringing people together so they get help when they need it. Their helpline runs 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Call 0800 585858.
Provides advice and information to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Call Mindinfoline on 0300 123 3393, 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, email info@mind.org.uk or see mind.org.uk
No Panic
Provides step-by-step programmes and support for those with anxiety disorders. Call 0844 967 4848, 10am–10pm daily, or receive email support at info@nopanic.org.uk. See nopanic.org.uk
Offers emotional support if you’re feeling distressed or despair. Call 116 123 24 hours, daily, or see samaritans.org.
Family support organisations:
Whole families can be impacted for numerous reasons. Here is some support for any family issues you may be going through.
Provides services for families experiencing poverty or social isolation, including mental health support. Its National Parent Support Service helps those struggling with the challenges of parenthood and can help you find out about the services available: call 0808 802 6666, Mon-Fri 9m-10pm, text 07537 404 282, or email NDPSS@family-action.org.uk or see family-action.org.uk
Offers information and support in all aspects of family life. Call 0808 800 2222 9am-9pm Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat-Sun or email askus@familylives.org.uk. See familylives.org.uk – the website has advice on baby sleeping, eating and health.
A family support charity that helps families with young children deal with the challenges they face, such as money issues, mental health, isolation and illness. Runs a local support network – find yours at home-start.org.uk
Provides advice, information and practical support for single parents – from dealing with a break-up to going back to work or organising financial issues. Helpline is 0808 802 0925, 10am-6pm Mon, 10am-4pm Tu, Thu & Fri, 10am-1pm & 5pm-7pm Wed. See www.gingerbread.org.uk
Offers counselling and workshops on relationships and family issues. Book a counselling appointment on 0300 003 0396, 8am-10pm Mon-Thu, 8am-6pm Fri, 9am-5pm Sat, or have a live online chat at relate.org.uk.
Sands, stillbirth and neonatal death charity offer support to those who have been affected by the loss of a baby for both families and professionals. You can call them on 0808 164 3332 or email them at helpline@sands.org.uk. Visit www.sands.org.uk for more information.
Find out more about Sands United: The football teams helping dads deal with baby loss.
Premature birth
Provides support for parents of babies born premature or sick. Call 0808 801 0322, Mon-Fri 1am-12pm and Mon-Wed 7pm-9pm. Or see bliss.org.uk
Work
Offers advice for mums and dads regarding their rights at work and to benefits and healthcare. Call 0808 802 0029 or visit maternityaction.org.uk