Home-Start Surrey supports fathers during Father’s Day and International Fathers’ Mental Health Day. Dad Matters, powered by Home-Start Surrey, is using Father’s Day (21st June) and International Fathers’ Mental Health Day (22nd June) this June to raise awareness of the vital importance of supporting fathers’ mental health and wellbeing during the transition to parenthood.
The charity is also highlighting its upcoming New Dad Workshop on 22nd June, designed to support expectant and new fathers with the realities of early parenthood, including sleep deprivation, emotional wellbeing, relationships, bonding with baby, and supporting partners through pregnancy and the postnatal period.
Dad Matters Surrey works across the county to engage dads from pregnancy through the first two years of fatherhood, helping fathers feel informed, confident, connected, and supported during one of the biggest transitions of their lives.
Research continues to show that becoming a parent can have a significant impact on men’s mental health, with many fathers experiencing stress, anxiety, isolation, and low mood during the perinatal period. Despite this, dads often report feeling overlooked in maternity and early years services.
Through hospital outreach, peer support, workshops, and community engagement, Dad Matters Surrey aims to change that conversation.
Lee Teideman, Project Manager for Dad Matters Surrey, said:
“We know that when dads are supported, families do better. Fatherhood can be an incredible experience, but it can also feel overwhelming, isolating, and emotionally challenging — especially in the early months.
June gives us a fantastic opportunity, through Father’s Day and Men’s Health Month, to start more open conversations about dads’ mental health and the support available to them. Our message is simple: dads matter too.”
The New Dad Workshop on 22nd June provides practical advice, honest discussion, and peer connection for expectant and new fathers. Topics include:
- managing sleep deprivation
- supporting breastfeeding partners
- returning to work
- relationships and communication
- emotional wellbeing
- building confidence as a new dad
Dad Matters Surrey is currently working in partnership with local maternity services and hospitals, expanding delivery across Surrey.
The organisation is encouraging local services, employers, community groups, and families to help spread awareness throughout June and ensure fathers know support is available.
For more information about Dad Matters Surrey or to enquire about the New Dad Workshop, please visit home-start.org.uk/dad-matters.
