Support for Blackpool dads during lockdown

Sessions will be held fortnightly to give dads and male carers chance to raise issues which have included queries around visiting their newborns in hospital and mental health.

The scheme has been set up by Blackpool Better Start, the £45m Lottery funded project to help pre-school children which is supported by Blackpool Council.

Clare Law, senior programme development manager at Blackpool Better Start, said: “We know that when dads feel isolated, it can affect their mental health and it’s crucial we keep talking through these difficult times.

"By working with Blackpool Teaching Hospitals we are combining our expertise to provide a panel of healthcare professionals and community workers that can answer any concerns that dads are currently facing.

"We hope as many as possible join the Facebook Live and can use it as a way of accessing virtual advice and support.”

The 30-minute Dads' Chat was the brainchild of Better Start frontline workers who can usually be found supporting dads at community hubs around Blackpool.

As staff are currently unable to see and speak to dads due to social distancing, they have instead created the virtual clinic.

There will be a different topic each week shaped by feedback from the clinics as well as chance to ask questions.

The next one will be at 2pm on Wednesday May 27 at https://www.facebook.com/BetterStartBlackpool/.