Helping babies thrive by supporting their dads.

Five new Dad Matters services are being established across England and Wales, backed by £180,000+ in funding from the 1001 Critical Days Foundation.

Becoming a dad can bring huge changes, and knowing where to turn for support can make a real difference. Through our partnership with Home-Start UK, we're helping more fathers access practical advice, peer support and guidance on building a strong relationship with their baby.

Where the new services will be

The funding will support five local Home-Start teams to deliver Dad Matters in their communities:

• Knowsley - supporting dads across Knowsley.

• Kernow - reaching families across Cornwall.

• Horizons - covering Leicester, Charnwood, Melton, Rutland, Blaby, Oadby and Wigston.

• East Lancashire - supporting families across Burnley, Pendle, Ribble Valley, Hyndburn and Rossendale.

• Wrexham - extending support to dads throughout Wrexham County Borough.

Over three years, the £181,000 grant will contribute to establishing these services, alongside local funding and resources.

Why support for dads matters

During the 1,001 critical days, from pregnancy to age two, a baby's earliest relationships help shape their development. Everyday moments, from comforting a baby to responding to their sounds, help build the foundations for communication, connection and emotional wellbeing.

Dads are an important part of this picture, but they need support, too. Dad Matters helps fathers understand their baby's needs, grow in confidence and look after their own wellbeing during pregnancy and early parenthood.

Through one-to-one peer support, connections with maternity services and links to Family Hubs, the programme helps dads find support in the places they already visit. It also works with professionals to make family services more welcoming and inclusive of fathers.

Find out more about Dad Matters, powered by Home-Start

Supporting the people who care for babies

As part of our wider £1 million grant to Home-Start UK, we're helping expand Dad Matters across its network, bringing national expertise together with the knowledge of local teams.

This is one example of how our funding is supporting practical, community-based services to help babies and their families thrive during the 1,001 critical days, from pregnancy to age two.

Discover the difference our funding is making.