Over the past year, Dad Matters Stockport, delivered through Home-Start HOST and funded by Stockport Council, has been independently evaluated. The findings demonstrate both the value and promise of offering dedicated support to dads during the pregnancy to early childhood period. 

Why Dad Matters, matters 

The perinatal period is a crucial time not only for mothers and babies but for fathers too. Evidence shows that supporting dads can improve their mental health, strengthen family relationships, and help children’s development. The Dad Matters model is designed to engage fathers where they are, helping them understand their baby, their role, and how to navigate the transition to fatherhood.  

What Dad Matters Stockport did 

During its first 12 months (8 January 2024 – 7 January 2025), Dad Matters Stockport deployed a coordinator supported by the national operations team. Its activities fell into three main strands: 

1. Encouraging referrals & 1:1 support - through professional and self-referrals, joint visits, and proactive outreach. Parent-Infant Foundation 

2. Universal engagement - going where dads already are (home visits, maternity wards, local groups, “walk & talk” events) to introduce the offer and normalise conversations. Parent-Infant Foundation 

3. Practitioner engagement & training - working with midwives, health visitors, family hubs and other services to raise awareness, build capacity, and embed “dad-friendly” practice (e.g. adjusting language to include “dad” explicitly). Parent-Infant Foundation 
   
   

Strong outcomes & target achievement 

The evaluation finds that all key performance targets were met or exceeded: 

• 683 individual contacts in universal settings (114% of lower target) - engaging over a third of all local fathers in that timeframe.  

• 56 fathers supported one-to-one (112% of the lower target)  

• Regular “walk & talk” events (13 in total) reaching 60 dads  

• Multi-agency and bespoke training delivered to a wide range of professionals  

• Recruitment of volunteers, production of resources (leaflets, banners, posters), development of peer support pathways, and more. 

Importantly, the project intentionally prioritized areas of deprivation - such as Brinnington, in the 2% most deprived nationally - ensuring that support reached those who might otherwise be excluded. Around a third of dads supported lived in those targeted communities.  

Voices from Dad Matters

Professionals also reflected on the impact: 

“It is extremely evident that support for men/dads is much needed … we are so lucky to have Dad Matters.” 
- a mental health midwife  

Small shifts in professional practice - like using “mum and dad” instead of “parents” - were reported to make measurable differences in engagement.  

Key lessons & future direction 

The evaluation surfaces valuable insights for future development: 

• Visibility and relationship-building are critical: being present in community settings and trusted by professionals enabled referrals and connection.  

• Flexible training and outreach formats help reach busy teams (short briefings, drop-ins, bespoke content).  

• Better data collection (especially mid- and endpoint outcomes) will strengthen service learning and accountability.  

• Volunteer development and peer pathways have huge promise but need further nurturing and resourcing.  

• Embedding the role of the Dad Matters coordinator within Family Hubs and early years systems increases sustainability and integration.  
  
  

Looking ahead 

Thanks to its early success, the Dad Matters Stockport project has already been re-commissioned for 2025/26.  The evaluation highlights that with the right structure, investment and relationships, targeted father-focused work can be delivered at scale, making a tangible difference in families’ lives. 

For those working in early years, health, local government or the voluntary sector: the Stockport experience is a strong case for centring dads as a core part of perinatal support — not as an afterthought, but as a driver of positive outcomes for whole families. 

Summary: Dad Matters Stockport Evaluation (2024–25) 

Supporting fathers, strengthening families 

About the project 

• Delivered by Home-Start HOST in partnership with Dad Matters UK 

• Funded by Stockport Council 

• 12-month pilot: 8 Jan 2024 – 7 Jan 2025 

• Focus: Support dads during pregnancy, birth and early years to improve attachment, confidence, and wellbeing

What we did 

Three core strands of work: 
1️⃣ 1:1 Support for Dads - direct, practical, emotional help 
2️⃣ Universal Engagement - events, groups, hospital and community outreach 
3️⃣ Professional Training - improving “dad-inclusive” language and practice 

Key results 

All targets met or exceeded 

Reaching those who need it most 

1 in 3 dads supported lived in areas of high deprivation 
Work targeted areas like Brinnington, among the 2% most deprived in England 
Built partnerships across Family Hubs, maternity and mental health teams 

Voices that matter 

“This was the first time anyone had asked about me… it really made a difference.” - Dad

“We are so lucky to have Dad Matters - support for men is much needed.” - Mental health midwife 

Lessons learned 

🔹 Being visible and approachable in community spaces builds trust 
🔹 Flexible training for professionals makes a big difference 
🔹 Peer support and volunteers are key to sustainability 
🔹 Embedding Dad Matters within Family Hubs strengthens integration 

What’s next?

• Re-commissioned for 2025/26 following strong results 

• Continued focus on inclusion, early intervention and father-baby bonding 

• Model now informing wider Dad Matters roll-outs across the UK 

Read the full report