Becoming a parent is life changing. It can bring a huge amount of joy and love, but it can also bring challenges, stress, and emotional struggles. At CPSL Mind we recognise these struggles and are there for you. Our extensive Perinatal Service provides a range of support options for mothers, but it’s equally important to recognise that dads need support, too.
That’s why CPSL Mind’s Perinatal Service is proud to have recently launched a dedicated support service for dads across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire.
Whether you’re navigating the pressures of fatherhood, struggling with your mental health, feeling overwhelmed in a relationship, or just looking for someone to talk to, we’re here to help.
Why Support for Dads Matters
Fathers can sometimes feel forgotten in conversations about emotional wellbeing during and after the perinatal period. But the reality is that dads can experience:
- Postnatal depression and anxiety
- Relationship stress
- Isolation or loneliness
- Emotional overwhelm
- Difficulty balancing work, parenting, and personal needs
Mental health challenges don’t just affect new dads of babies. They can arise at any stage – whether your child is 6 months old or 16 years old. That’s why our support is open to dads of children up to the age of 18.
The need for services like this is real and urgent. Over 39% of new fathers have actively wanted support for their mental health (Mental Health Foundation, 2018). At one time or another, half of men in the UK have experienced poor mental health, yet only 24% say they would talk to their friends about it (Bupa, 2019). These figures highlight how important it is to create safe, supportive spaces for dads to open up and access help when they need it.
What We Offer
Our new service is flexible, inclusive, and tailored to what you need, whether that’s connecting with others or talking one-on-one.
In Peterborough
We run a weekly peer support group just for dads where you can join at any point:
Every Thursday, 6–8pm, Gladstone Park Community Centre, 927 Bourges Blvd, Peterborough, PE1 2AN.
This group is a safe, welcoming space where you can talk openly about your experiences, learn from others, and gain tools to manage everyday challenges. Topics covered include emotional wellbeing, managing stress, relationships, communication, and more.
You don’t have to speak if you don’t want to — just being there is enough.
Across Cambridgeshire
For dads outside Peterborough, we offer a range of support:
- 1-to-1 sessions tailored to your needs
- Group support (in-person or online)
- Help that fits around your life and schedule
All support is delivered by a dedicated project worker who understands the pressures that dads face and is here to listen, not judge.
How to Get Involved
If this sounds like something that could help you, or someone you know, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch with the CPSL Mind Perinatal Service to find out more, refer yourself, or ask any questions. Just email: perinatalservices@cpslmind.org.uk
Gary Clarke, Perinatal Project Dads Worker, gives this message to dads: “Your wellbeing matters. Your feelings are valid. And it’s okay to ask for support. Being a dad is one of life’s most important roles — and like any important role, it’s okay to ask for guidance and encouragement along the way. Let’s break the stigma and normalise talking about dads’ mental health.”
You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face things on your own.
For further information about our Perinatal Service, please click here.
