Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Fathers Reaching Out
Fathers Reaching Out
Fathers Reaching Out is an initiative that focuses on the importance of fathers' mental health, particularly during the perinatal period. It was founded by Mark Williams, who has been an incredible advocate for fathers' mental health.
The initiative brings together years of findings on the importance of fathers’ mental health in the perinatal period and makes 25 recommendations around mental health, preparing for and adjusting to fatherhood, and accessing support.
The Fathers Reaching Out initiative aims to change policies and protocols by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to include fathers’ mental health². They advocate for the importance of "Think Family", to include and support all parents during the perinatal period².
My Story
Speaking with other fathers would have helped me as a father back in 2004. I had my first ever panic attack after Michelle, my wife, went through a traumatic birth which I witnessed, thinking the love of my life was going to die. Michelle went on to have severe postnatal depression which, in hindsight, should have led to a stay in a mother and baby unit as she wasn’t safe and needed support from the crisis team.
Fathers Mental Health Day
Every year, the day after Fathers' Day globally, we mark International Fathers' Mental Health Day (IFMHD). The event was founded in June 2016 by Mark Williams (UK) and Dr Daniel Singley (USA). Since, it has grown into a multi-national event, raising awareness about fathers’ mental health.
Across that day a series of blogs, stories, information and resources are shared by charities, support groups, health professionals, and families who have experienced the impact of poor mental health in fathers. The events are shared across social media platforms in addition to print and broadcast media. While the aim is to raise awareness, it is also important that these events contribute to real change. In recent years, evidence-based campaigning has influenced policy changes within NHS England for identifying fathers at risk.
How Are You Dad
Why do some fathers blossom and many fathers struggle ?
A book on the importance of Father's Mental Health