Dad Matters is powered by Home-Start and 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. 

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. 

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. 

Making referrals 

To make a referral to a Home-Start you should contact them directly. Find a list of all Home-Starts, along with contact details, here

Local Dad Matters projects accept self-referrals from fathers and referrals from midwives, health visitors, social workers, GP surgeries, and other local services. 

Key points for referrers 

• Dad Matters is non-judgemental and inclusive, supporting all fathers regardless of background, family structure, or experience. 

• Early referral allows fathers to access support before challenges escalate, improving outcomes for dads, babies, and families. 

• Professionals are encouraged to share information about Dad Matters with fathers, including via leaflets, websites, and conversations during appointments. 

Evidence for practice 

• Local evaluations and participant feedback consistently show improvements in fathers’ confidence, engagement, and wellbeing. 

• Dad Matters aligns with guidance from AIMH UK, Brazelton Centre UK, and Institute of Health Visiting, highlighting the importance of early father involvement. 

• Integrating Dad Matters into community services supports whole-family outcomes and provides measurable results for funders and commissioners. 

Home-Start UK has been able to carry out an initial evaluation into the reach and impact of Dad Matters projects to date, which shows that over 40,000 dads have been supported through universal engagement since 2017 and almost 2,000 dads through one-to-one support. 77% reported improving parent-infant relationship knowledge and 84% reporting improved wellbeing. Dad Matters training has been delivered to over 15,000 professionals to build trust, increase referrals and encourage Dad-inclusive practice. 

Download the report here

Quick tips for professionals 

• Ask fathers how they are feeling and whether they would like support. 

• Share information about Dad Matters early in the perinatal period. 

• Encourage dads to attend workshops or access 1-to-1 support, highlighting confidentiality and non-judgemental approach. 

• Use Dad Matters as part of a wider package of family support services. 

Remember: Supporting dads early has lasting benefits for babies, families, and communities. Referring to Dad Matters is a simple, evidence-based way to make a positive difference.