Dad Matters UK

16/06/2026

💙 Ahead of Father's Day this weekend and as we mark Men's Health Week, we're revisiting an important conversation from one of our NEC speakers and highlighting a must-read blog for dads and dads-to-be.

Becoming a dad doesn't come with a manual. One moment you're preparing... the next, everything changes.

The first 1,001 days – from pregnancy to age two – are a critical time not just for babies, but for dads too. It's a period of huge growth, pressure and transformation, and one that's not always talked about.

Read the blog via the link in our bio and hear from Kieran Anders ( ), who joined us at The Baby Show NEC to discuss the realities of early fatherhood and why support for dads matters.

Opening up the conversation, Kieran explores the quiet challenges many fathers face, the importance of everyday moments, and why you don't have to be perfect to make a difference.

💬 Because being there is what matters most.

Whether you're expecting, navigating early parenthood, or supporting someone who is, this message is for you.

Join the conversation. You're not alone. 💙

16/06/2026

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

📢 Dads in Scotland - we want to hear from YOU! 📢

Our is now LIVE!

It only takes 5-10 mins to have your say and help shape support for dads and families across Scotland.

Your voice matters. Take part now!
➡️ https://bit.ly/dads-survey-2026

13/06/2026

Infant Mental Health Awareness Week: The Power of Attunement

This Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, we're celebrating the theme of Attunement – the ability to notice, understand and respond to a baby's emotional needs.

Babies communicate from day one. Before they have words, they use facial expressions, body language, sounds and behaviour to tell us how they are feeling and what they need. Attunement is about paying attention to those signals and responding in a way that helps babies feel safe, understood and valued.

For dads, attunement doesn't mean getting it right every time. There is no such thing as a perfect parent. What matters is being present, staying curious and trying to understand your baby's experience.

When babies learn that someone notices and responds to their needs, they develop trust and security. These early relationships help build the foundations for emotional wellbeing, healthy development and future relationships.

Attunement can happen in simple everyday moments:

👀 Making eye contact
😊 Sharing smiles
🗣️ Talking, singing and reading together
🤗 Comforting and soothing when they're upset
🎮 Following their lead during play

It is also about recognising that every baby is unique. Some babies seek lots of interaction, while others prefer quieter moments. Getting to know your baby's individual personality helps you respond in ways that work for them.

Strong parent-infant relationships are built through thousands of small moments of connection. By slowing down, tuning in and responding with warmth, dads can play a vital role in supporting their baby's emotional development from the very beginning.

Because every dad matters, and every interaction matters too.

12/06/2026

Attunement doesn't happen in one big moment.

It grows through everyday interactions:
👀 Making eye contact
😊 Sharing smiles
🗣️ Talking and singing
🤗 Offering comfort
🎮 Playing together

These small moments help babies learn that they are seen, understood and valued.

This Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, take a moment to slow down, tune in and connect.

11/06/2026

Stroud and Gloucester Dads this ones for you!

Looking for something to do with your little ones (under 5) this Sunday morning? 🧸 Join us at our at one of our two Dad Matters Stay 'n' Play sessions! It’s a great chance to grab a coffee, have a chat with other local dads, and let the kids burn off some energy.

📍 Stroud: Parliament Children’s Centre
📍 Kingsway (Gloucester): The Beacon Children’s Centre
🗓️ When: This Sunday, 14th June
⏰ Time: 10am – 12pm

Both sessions are totally free. No pressure, just a relaxed space for you and your kids.

Book on here or check out link in our bio - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/dad-matters-gloucestershire-48376097733

11/06/2026

Safer sleep has been in the public and political spotlight in recent weeks, with significant media attention and parliamentary discussion highlighting concerns about the growing infant sleep advice industry and the risks of unsafe and inconsistent messaging for families.
The growing awareness of these practices underscores the vital role of health visitors in supporting parents to navigate safer sleep guidance.

https://ihv.org.uk/news-and-views/news/safer-sleep-the-importance-of-evidence-based-information-and-trusted-professionals/

11/06/2026

People make the mistake of thinking that because they can’t remembe...

11/06/2026