Becoming a Dad can be a rewarding, exciting and challenging time. It’s not unusual to experience a range of emotions which can impact on how we think and feel.
There are lots of things which can be useful to help support wellbeing. Your health visitor will signpost you to appropriate services.
Below is a list of local support groups, websites, helplines and apps.
Local support groups
Bushcraft and Brews Crewe – Bushcraft Sessions ran by the Wilderness Therapy Organiser the Wilderness Tribe – Bushcraft and Brews Sessions are part of a new project designed to promote men’s mental health and wellbeing.
Sessions are free for men aged 18+ living in Crewe.
The Bushcraft and Brew Sessions are led by experienced instructors and introduce participants to basic bushcraft skills- fire building, shelter construction and foraging. The project provides a space for Men to relax, come together, share experiences, learn survival skills, and embark on a transformative journey to personal growth and improved mental well-being.
Sessions are held on the first Thursday of every month from 3rd August at Apollo Park 10.30-12.30. Book a place.
Smile Group
- Peer support groups – one-to-one support, walks, home visits (by referral only)
- Counselling- offered face-to-face, via phone or virtual
- Family social sessions (monthly)
For more information visit the Smile Group website or email: [email protected]
Motherwell (Crewe, Nantwich, Sandbach, Alsager, Middlewich)
Support includes:
- Counselling
- Wellbeing programmes
- New Life and Me Group for parents of children up to 2 years
For more information visit the Motherwell website.
Improving Access to Psychological Therapies: (IAPT) All parents are prioritised until their child’s second birthday, self-referral accepted.
Talking Therapies
All parents are prioritised until there child’s second birthday, self-referral accepted.
The Wellbeing Hub
Psychological therapies 16+, can offer individual, group CBT, counselling. Crewe, Sandbach, Alsager, Middlewich and Nantwich areas only.
Contact: 01606 555260 (Mon-Fri 8.00am – 8.00pm)
Talking Therapies Central Cheshire
My Talking Therapies -Big Life
A range of talking therapies 16+, Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Knutsford, Poynton, Congleton and Holmes Chapel area, (if registered with an East Cheshire GP).
Contact: 01625 469 950
NHS East Cheshire Talking Therapies
Just Drop In
Counselling and wellbeing Service for young people aged 12 – 25. (Macclesfield and surrounding areas only).
Contact: 01625 665079
Text: 07718425405
Email: [email protected] www.justdropin.co.uk
Supporting Baby’s Emotional Wellbeing
The ‘Getting to Know Your Baby’ videos from Association for Infant Mental Health (AiMH) have been designed to help parents, caregivers, and health professionals to know how to support the development of a baby’s emotional wellbeing. Watch the videos.
Organisations and helplines
Dads Matter – providing support for dads worried about suffering from anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress (PTSD)
Mentell – providing a space to talk for men
CWP Mental Health Crisis Line (24/7) – Call 0800 145 6485
Samaritans – Call 116 123 or email [email protected] www.samaritans.org
Shout! – text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 Free 24/7 mental health support
Papyrus – helpline for under 35s who are experiencing thoughts of suicide. Call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email [email protected]
Just Drop In – counselling and wellbeing service for young people aged 12 – 25. Call 01625 665079, text 07718425405, or email [email protected] www.justdropin.co.uk (Macclesfield and surrounding areas only).
Useful websites
BBC Bitesize – New Dads – Your Guide to Good Mental Health
Fatherhood Institute – support, research and working with public service employers to help them see and respect fathers.
Mind – support and advice for anyone experiencing a mental health issue
NHS – information on all mental health difficulties
Mood Cafe – common mental health difficulties
Mental Health Organsiation – information, research and resources
Action for Happiness – ways to improve mood
Psychology Tools – self-help materials and CBT worksheets
Doc Ready – preparing for a mental health appointment
Get Self Help – range of self-help materials for many mental health difficulties
Stonewall – information and advice for LGBTQ+ people on a range of issues
Samaritans – Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. The team is here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
No more Suicide website – Support, resources, and commissioned services available in Cheshire and Merseyside.
Safety Plan website – Creating a safety plan is a useful way to write down listed 24/7 support services, coping strategies and emergency contacts.
Useful videos
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership – YouTube channel
Useful digital apps
Dadpad – is a great free app, developed in partnership with the NHS, with information and advice for dads.
Tiny Happy People – New Dads guide to good mental health: https://bit.ly/3IP3a3t
Headspace: https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app
Calm: https://www.calm.com – Mindfulness and meditation techniques
Sleepio: www.sleepio.com – An online sleep improvement programme
Samaritans: https://selfhelp.samaritans.org – Self-help app
Other apps are listed in the resource centre on the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services website
