Dad Matters St. Helens

20/08/2025

This is a subject very close to my heart. If anyone is going through this it can be a very emotional time. Please don't worry in silence. Drop us a message either via socials or on 07398024387.

20/08/2025

Great source of information for any parents to be. Available at Lowe House Resource Centre as 12:30 on a Wednesday afternoon and 5pm on Tuesdays at Whiston Hospital.

If you are a parent-to-be, come and meet our experienced midwives, connect with other parents, and help yourself to get informed and fully prepared for the exciting journey ahead.

These sessions are open to all women and birthing people. Second time parents and beyond are welcome, as are support partners.

Classes take place at Whiston Hospital, Lowe House Health Centre in St Helens and Widnes Urgent Treatment Centre (those who would like to attend are welcome to book classes at a mixture of locations), and topics include:

- Wellbeing in pregnancy
- Induction of labour
- Pain relief in labour
- Homebirth info meeting
- Different modes of birth
- Life with a new baby

For more information or to book, visit: https://sthk.merseywestlancs.nhs.uk/antenatal-education

Please note, this is a rolling programme of classes so new dates will continue to be added to the website.

14/08/2025

A very open and honest account of a very emotive subject.

Rebecca Adlington and her husband Andy Parsons talking about their experience with baby lose. What struck me was when Andy says his mate had been through similar and he didn't even know. we need to normalise men talking about these experiences and getting the support they need to get through such an emotional time.

If this is something you have been effected by please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Phone/Text/WhatsApp: 07398 024387
Email: james.white@homestartsthelens.org.uk

13/08/2025

Nappy changing is not always the most enjoyable part of being a parent. Particularly if your little one gets upset during changes. Here are some really useful tips on how to make nappy changes more enjoyable for your baby, easier for yourself and even make it a bonding opportunity. The more fun you make it, the easier and more enjoyable it will be.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/articles/zs2htrd

How to change a nappy and make it more fun for baby and less stressful experience for you while you're at it.

12/08/2025

Can all Dads please click on this link and give their feedback on the current state of paternity leave in the UK. The more Dads that the complete this the better understanding we can get of the problems parents face when they have a new arrival.

This call for evidence invites views and evidence on the proposed set of objectives for the parental leave and pay system.

12/08/2025

🌟 We’re Hiring & Seeking Volunteers! 🌟

💼 Full-Time Position Available
🤝 Volunteer Opportunities too

We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated individual to join our team as Crisis Café Advocate on a full time basis.

As a Crisis Café Advocate, you’ll provide a safe, supportive space for individuals experiencing emotional distress — offering a listening ear, comfort, and guidance when it’s needed most.

Crisis Café Advocate & Volunteers:
If you have a heart for helping others and want to make a meaningful difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 For more information please email erin@hopecentre.org.uk

💙 Your presence could be someone’s lifeline.

12/08/2025

David Baines MP taking his time last night to listen to Dads in the St Helens Borough to get their feedback on the current state of paternity leave. I was interesting listening to the employer perspective too and how the government can support small business to provide additional paternity leave.

Thank you to local Dads and Dad Matters St. Helens who took the time to talk tonight about paternity leave and why it needs to improve. Two weeks isn’t enough!

And thank you to Newton Community Centre for hosting us 🙏

08/08/2025

For more Dad Facts please see the attached article,

https://couplestherapyinc.com/the-importance-of-fathers/



This information is support by the findings of the following research papers.

18 Ramchandani, P.G., Stein, A., O’Connor, T.G., Heron, J., Murray, L., & Evans, J. (2008). Depression in men in the postnatal period and later child psychopathology: A population cohort study. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 47(4), 390-398.

19 Sweeney, S., & MacBeth, A. (2016). The effects of paternal depression on child and adolescent outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 205, 44-59.

07/08/2025

For more Dad Facts please see the attached article,

https://couplestherapyinc.com/the-importance-of-fathers/



This information is support by the findings of the following research papers.

16 Sarkadi, A., Kristiansson, R., Oberklaid, F., & Bremberg, S. (2008). Fathers’ involvement and children’s developmental outcomes: a systematic review of longitudinal studies. Acta Paediatrica, 97(2), 153-158.

17 Flouri, E. (2010). Fathers’ behaviors and children’s psychopathology. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(3), 363-369.

06/08/2025

For more Dad Facts please see the attached article,

https://couplestherapyinc.com/the-importance-of-fathers/



This information is support by the findings of the following research papers.

15 Koestner, R., Franz, C., & Weinberger, J. (1990). The family origins of empathic concern: A 26-year longitudinal study. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 58(4), 709-717.

05/08/2025

For more Dad Facts please see the attached article,

https://couplestherapyinc.com/the-importance-of-fathers/



This information is support by the findings of the following research papers.

13 Livingston, G., & Parker, K. (2019). 8 facts about American dads. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/06/12/fathers-day-facts/

14 Parker, K., Horowitz, J.M., & Rohal, M. (2015). Parenting in America: Outlook, worries, aspirations are strongly linked to financial situation. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2015/12/17/parenting-in-america/

04/08/2025

For more Dad Facts please see the attached article,

https://couplestherapyinc.com/the-importance-of-fathers/



This information is support by the findings of the following research papers.

11 Parker, K., & Wang, W. (2015). Modern parenthood: Roles of moms and dads converge as they balance work and family. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2013/03/14/modern-parenthood-roles-of-moms-and-dads-converge-as-they-balance-work-and-family/

12 Parker, K., & Wang, W. (2015). Modern parenthood: Roles of moms and dads converge as they balance work and family. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2013/03/14/modern-parenthood-roles-of-moms-and-dads-converge-as-they-balance-work-and-family/