Families First support for dads

Support for dads

Being a father is extremely rewarding, but at the same time it comes with many challenges and can be a big learning curve, particularly for new dads. With so many resources being aimed at mums, we have collated a collection of places to go for advice, guidance and support especially aimed at dads, step-dads, male carers and men that act as a role model in a child or young person’s life.

Transition to fatherhood Local services Paternal mental health support Cost of living Courses and groups Young parents Relationship support

Transition to Fatherhood

Tommy’s

For dads and partners planning a pregnancy and having a baby are life-changing and exciting events. It can feel very new and maybe a bit daunting, but we have lots of information and support to help you.

ICON

Guidance and information all about why babies cry, strategies, and parent/carer safety planning.

Music. Football. Fatherhood

Music Football Fatherhood | For dads who want more open conversations around fatherhood - Music.Football.Fatherhood - open conversations around fatherhood.

Fatherhood Institute

The Fatherhood Institute works to build a society that values, prepares, and supports men as involved fathers and caregivers.

Institute of Health Visiting

The period from conception to the age of 2 is an important time for child development and experiences and during this time can influence the rest of a child’s life. Relationships between dads and their children matter from day 1.

Fathers are important and good mental health is important for fathers, their partners, and their children. Close involvement of fathers from birth supports positive family/couple relationships and fathers have an important role to play in child development.

Dads Zone – Lullaby Trust

Advice on safe sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) – the sudden and unexpected death of a baby where no cause is found.

Rights and Entitlements

Find out what rights fathers have to attend antenatal appointments, unpaid leave, paternity leave and adding a father’s name to a birth certificate.

Health for Under 5s and the Chat Health messaging service

From pregnancy, baby, toddler, pre-school and for you – help, support, advice and events. You can also access Chat Health text messaging service run by Health Visitors for Parents/Carers of 0-5 year olds in Hertfordshire. Text 07480 635164 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm to get advice from the health visiting team.

DAD.info - Free expert advice and support for Fathers

Provides information, advice & support to help dads in their fatherhood journey.

Courses and Groups

Find out more about the Becoming Dad FREE inclusive workshop for new and expectant fathers.
Becoming Dad - more information and how to book

Supporting Dads with Protective Behaviours

Are you looking for strategies and new ideas to help improve family life?

Online course on Tuesday evenings 7pm-9pm, starts 6 May 2025

Find out more and book your place

Talking Dads
Starts Weds 4 June, 7.45–9.15pm
(every Wednesday for 6 weeks)

Online sessions for dads and male carers to boost parenting confidence, build healthy relationships, improve communication, manage anger, enforce boundaries, and ultimately be the dad you want to be.

Booking is essential via email.
Alternatively, call Supporting Links on 07512 709556 and quote course ID 761.

View a range of free parenting workshops for Hertfordshire parents, with tips and new ideas to help improve family life, either online or in-person. There are also specific courses just for dads.

The Mr Programme
Starts 4 June 2025, 6.30pm-8pm (every Wednesday until 16 July)
An online group exploring what a positive male role model looks like for children in today’s modern. Open to all dads/male carers. Book your place:- MRProgramme Referral

Men’s Communication Collective
6.30-8pm 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Community Alliance Building, Fore Street, Hertford. Download the poster.
A talking group for men focusing on communication with families and at work but also a safe space for men to talk freely and be heard.

Local services

Man Up, No Man Down - is a Hertfordshire based community support service specifically for men. They have a range of knowledge and experience in men's mental health with every day difficulties that some people unfortunately find themselves in.

Health in Herts – advice on diet and exercise, mental health, quitting smoking and dealing with alcohol or drug dependency

Family centres – Find out more about the Becoming Dad FREE inclusive workshop for new and expectant fathers:-Becoming Dad - more information and how to book

POhWER Advocacy – a charity and the advocacy information and advice services we provide are free, independent and confidential and we help people who, because of disability, illness, social exclusion and other challenges, find it difficult to express their views or get the support they need. Our mission is to empower people to have a voice and make a real difference to their lives. We do this by speaking for them when they can’t and supporting them to speak for themselves whey they can.

Hertfordshire reusable nappy discount scheme – our mission is to make reusable nappies accessible for all Hertfordshire residents, by providing support, advice and discounts off a range of reusable nappies and accessories. With the right support, switching to reusables can be an easy way to improve your child’s comfort and health, reduce your household waste and reduce your regular expenses on disposable nappies.

Who Let The Dads Out? - Dads groups being run in Hertfordshire’s churches. All groups are committed to being a welcoming place for fathers and father figures to spend quality time with their children.

Veteran support

Young parents

Herts Young Homeless – we offer a variety of free services open to all 16–24-year-olds who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. We also have a Health Service which has no upper age limit.

Ohana Support group – for young parents who are in care and care leavers. Ohana provides practical support for young parents.

Youth Projects for Young Parents – information, advice and support around issues such as employment, education, training, housing, money etc.

The Care to Learn scheme can help with childcare costs while you study.

Relationship Support

Relationship support for parents - When family life is good, children thrive. Find out why relationships in any parenting situation matters so much to children, and how to improve your relationship with your partner or ex-partner and get support.

Domestic abuse

Herts Sunflower offer online advice and contact details if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse.

Government guidance for form C100 – Apply for a court order to make arrangements for a child or resolve a dispute about their upbringing. You may be able to apply on line.