Dad Matters Blackburn & Darwen

19/06/2026

This International Father’s Mental Health Day, join me live on TikTok with some special guests as we talk about fathers, families, mental health, and the Dad Matters journey so far.

Over the past year, Dad Matters projects across the UK have supported thousands of dads through pregnancy and early parenthood – helping fathers feel informed, connected, and confident during the first 1001 critical days.

We'll be discussing:
👨‍👧 The Dad Matters story and why we started
📈 Our impact and reach so far this year
🧠 Fathers' mental health and wellbeing
🤝 How we support dads through pregnancy and early parenthood
👶 Attachment, bonding and infant mental health
💬 What dads are telling us they need right now
🌍 The future of Dad Matters across the UK

And most importantly...

❓Ask us anything!

Whether you're a dad, mum, parent-to-be, practitioner, volunteer, supporter, or simply interested in improving outcomes for fathers and families, we'd love to hear from you.

📅 Monday 22nd June
⏰ 7pm
📍 TikTok:

Drop your questions in the comments below or bring them along to the live.

Every dad matters. 💜



Dad Matters - Emma Jones Dad Matters West Northamptonshire Dad Matters Calderdale Dad Matters Kirklees Dad Matters Haringey Dad Matters Portsmouth Dad Matters Flintshire Dad Matters St. Helens Dad Matters Barnsley Dad Matters Blackburn & Darwen Dad Matters Brent & Harrow Dad Matters Merseyside Dad Matters Bristol & South Gloucestershire Dad Matters Surrey Dad Matters - Greater Manchester Dad Matters - Leeds Dad Matters Oldham Home-Start UK

18/06/2026

Day 4 of Men's Mental Health Week. Had the pleasure of sitting down with Mo Sidat and Darren Heggie Darren Heggie to discuss their fatherhood journeys and how they've got to where they are now. Mo and Darren are known in the community for their food and coffee reviews and local collaborations and just trying to bring smiles and positivity to the community.

What does being a dad mean to you personally?
Mo: Being a dad comes before everything else.
Darren: My children come first in everything.

What has been the most rewarding part of being a father?
Mo: Seeing them smile, even just when they are watching TV knowing that they are happy and loved.
Darren: Seeing my children achieve things, like working and growing, it gives me a lot of pride

Who was your biggest role model growing up and why?
Mo: My dad was my role model, he was firm but fair and his biggest role model
Darren: His parents, the children loved spending time with his parents.

Do you think fathers sometimes struggle in silence?
Mo: All the time, people don't understand that men have worried during pregnancy and having children
Darren: Men are embarrassed to talk about the issues around children through fear of being judged or seem differently.

What’s the best piece of advice your dad or role model ever gave you?
Mo: That your family come first. Everything else can wait.
Darren: Spend as much time as you can with them. Work to live not live to work.

What message would you like to share with dads this Father’s Day.
Mo: Enjoy Fathers Day and go our for a coffee and make sure you speak about things if it gets to much.
Darren: Socialise with your friends, go out and make sure that you speak to people and take care of yourself.

Thanks to Mo and Darren for having this chat with me. Stay tuned for tomorrow's Dads story.

18/06/2026

Day 3 of Men's Mental Health Week. Had the pleasure of chatting with Owen Mcgill from Blackburn Martial Arts and Kickboxing Club about his journey and fatherhood journey. He gave me a tour of the amazing facilities that he offers and spoke about the incredible community he's built alongside meeting his wonderful support dog Hunter. Part of Owen's work alongside all the various fantastic classes he runs, is the The Oliver Community & Wellbeing Centre CIC which was set up to honour a young man named Oliver who sadly passed in 2011. The The Oliver Community & Wellbeing Centre CIC carries forward Olivers legacy by offering inclusive activities that bring people together, break down barriers, and help individuals of all ages and abilities overcome life's challenges. For further information please check out their socials and support in anyway we can.

What does being a dad mean to you personally?
Owen: Being a dad is a privilege, not everyone gets to be a dad but it's a privilege when you become one, being a dad meana unconditional love for your children, no matter the age.

What has been the most rewarding part of being a father?
Owen: Seeing your children progress and achievements, seeing them smiling, their personalities grown and shine, but also letting them see your emotions, showing them that it's okay to talk.

Who was your biggest role model growing up and why?
Owen: My dad. I loved him.

Do you think fathers sometimes struggle in silence?
Owen: Of course, mental health for blokes is tough, we don't want to show we are weak but sometimes we have to show our weaknesses to find our strengths

What’s the best piece of advice your dad or role model ever gave you?
Owen: Never give up, push through and you will see the light eventually.

What message would you like to share with dads this Father’s Day?
Owen: It's a privilege, enjoy the little moments, enjoy the cards and bits but embrace every moment and enjoy it as they are miniature versions of you.

Thank you Owen for being so welcoming and sharing your story. Please check out all the social media's for further updates and potentially, a collab down the line.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's Dads story.

17/06/2026

Join us this Thursday from 2-4 PM for a collaboration with Gecko Games Club—a new space for men to connect, unwind, and challenge themselves through exciting board games and friendly competition.

Whether you're a seasoned strategist or just game-curious, come along for a relaxed afternoon of fun and conversation.

No experience needed, just bring your curiosity!

17/06/2026

ANDYSMANCLUB are a men’s su***de prevention charity, offering free to attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online.

We want to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation. Our mission, put simply, is to prevent other families from going through the heartache and grief caused by su***de, by encouraging men to speak openly about their issues.

We aim to achieve this through our Monday night talking groups, and through the power of awareness, sharing stories and sharing experiences.

Our groups are free of charges and bookings, completely confidential and a place that is free of any judgement – you can simply turn up, and talk as much or as little as you desire with no pressure.

You can attend the group on :

Where: Blackburn Rovers Football and Athletic PLC, Ewood Park, Nuttall Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 4JF
When: Every Monday (Except Bank Holidays 7.00 – 9.00pm)

To visit their website click below

www.andysmanclub.co.uk

17/06/2026

16/06/2026

Day 2 of Men's Mental Health Week. Had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Raja Aslam and getting the opportunity to discuss fatherhood with him. Raja is a father to 8 children, with 4 from Foster care, his fantastic work supporting the community and men is incredible and his fundraising for charities is phenomenal raising over £30,000. His next challenge is to get to Everst Base Camp so keep your eyes peeled on his socials for updates. I got to ask him some questions about fatherhood and his journey.

What does being a dad mean to you personally?
Raja: Being a dad is the best thing, feeling like a superhero to your children, a role model, someone they come to when they are happy or when they are sad and you help them with things. You are their support.

What has been the most rewarding part of being a father?
Raja: Seeing them smiling, fighting for them and then seeing the results of their accomplishments and letting them know he can support them for their lives.

Who was your biggest role model growing up and why?
Raja: My dad, I learnt everything from him, being a hands on Dad, that's that he wanted to be.

Do you think fathers sometimes struggle in silence?
Raja: Definitely, I think Ego and Pride come into it and not saying anything is a struggle but I've learnt that talking about things helps.

What’s the best piece of advice your dad or role model ever gave you?
Raja: Be present. Support your family and be there for them.

What message would you like to share with dads this Father’s Day?
Raja: Be yourself, be open, enjoy your time with your kids and always speak up.

Thank you Raja for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat to me and we wish you all the best in your fatherhood journey.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's next story! 👀

15/06/2026

💙 MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK | 15th – 21st JUNE 💙

Every dad has a story worth sharing.

This Men’s Mental Health Week, we want to shine a light on the dads in our community — celebrating their strength, their honesty, their challenges, and the incredible journeys they are on.

Too often, men and fathers can feel like they have to carry the weight of the world in silence. But real strength is found in opening up, asking for support, and knowing that you don’t have to face things alone.

Throughout the week leading up to Father’s Day on 21st June, we’ll be sharing the personal stories of local dads — their experiences of fatherhood, the highs, the lows, the lessons they’ve learned, and the advice they would give to other fathers.

We hope these stories remind every dad that his voice matters, his experiences are valuable, and that there is always support and a community around him.

👨‍👧‍👦 Let’s celebrate fatherhood. Let’s start conversations. Let’s lift each other up.

If there’s a dad in your life who inspires you, tag him below and let him know the difference he makes ❤️

YouAreNotAlone MensMentalHealth