Perinatal partners' support
This space is designed especially for partners of women who are currently accessing support from the Perinatal Mental Health Team. We know that this journey can bring a mix of emotions and challenges, and it's important that you feel supported.
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If your partner is receiving support from the Perinatal Mental Health Team, it’s important to remember that your wellbeing matters, too. Whether you're about to be a parent for the first time, adjusting to life as a new parent, expanding your family, or living with the emotional ups and downs that can come with this time, you will probably have your own thoughts, feelings, and challenges that deserve attention and care. If you're looking to understand more, find practical advice, or take a moment to reflect on how you're doing, this page may have some resources to help you. On this page you will find various resources, from dad's pad, to loads of local resources through 'How Are You'. We also have a simple wellbeing check you can complete online. Online wellbeing check: |
Support for partners
We understand that the journey of parenthood is unique for everyone. Whether you're a male or female partner, or someone who is non-binary or gender non-conforming, your experience and emotional well-being are essential.
If you would like to explore the support available to you, along with browsing the resources on this page, we encourage you to reach out to your partner's care co-ordinator. They can provide resources and guidance tailored to your needs, ensuring that you feel supported throughout this journey.
Remember, your role in this process is invaluable, and taking care of your emotional health is crucial for both you and your growing family.
"And how are you, dad?" online group
An online group offering support, information and a space for members to share everything related to being a dad. The group is facilitated by a mixture of family therapists from the Perinatal Team, and experts by experience (dads who have graduated from the group and co-facilitate).
‘The group is really friendly. I was a bit nervous before the first session because I didn't know what to expect, but it turns into a bunch of dads talking, like you're chatting with your mates, and I was surprised how many things people shared related to me. It was nice to know I wasn't the only one. And it is helpful to be able to share exactly how you're feeling without judgement or worrying how your wife would feel if you said it to her’.
The group is available for partners of current patients of the Perinatal Mental Health service.
Meetings are about one hour and held fortnightly on Wednesdays at 7.30pm.
The group is held over Microsoft Teams, which can be accessed through computers, tablets or phones for free.
To sign up, complete this form: https://forms.office.com/e/pYa14Y3G9Y
How Are You Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
How Are You brings together everything in the local community that is good for wellbeing, and it has a great page specifically tailored to resources for dads. You can access this page here: HAY New Dads Resources
HAY has a great team behind it, continually out and about in the community finding new things and keeping it updated. It is also great for loads more other than just dads' resources; it is split into sixdistricts covering all of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, with activities for anyone or just parents.
Visit How Are You Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and select your district.
The Dad Pad app
The DadPad app, is a free and easy-to-use app that can help local fathers with guidance on how to develop the mindset, confidence and practical skills needed to meet their babies’ physical and emotional needs.
The app covers:
- Feeding, holding, changing and cleaning your baby.
- Dealing with sleep deprivation and a crying baby.
- Building a strong paternal bond with your baby.
- Home safety and first aid.
- Supporting yourself and your partner.
Getting mental health support
Contact your GP
If you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling with your mental health, it is important to seek help. Your GP can start treatment, provide guidance, resources, and referrals to mental health professionals who can offer specialised care.
NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Talking Therapies
This is part of the national NHS Talking Therapies services.
This service offers support to individuals aged 17 and over experiencing common mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, health anxiety, panic, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. No formal diagnosis is required to access the service.
Additionally, the service can assist with problems like stress, low confidence, sleep disturbances, and self-esteem issues. There is no upper age limit for accessing this service.
You are able to self-refer to this service, visit their website to find out how: NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Talking Therapies
Help in a mental health crisis
Call 111 and select the mental health option for the First Response Service - a 24-hour service for people in a mental health crisis. This service is for anyone, of any age, who is registered with a GP in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough. Specially-trained mental health staff will speak to you and discuss with you your mental health care needs – instead of you having to go to accident and emergency departments of local acute hospitals.
You might be in crisis if:
- You are thinking of hurting yourself or suicide seems the only option.
- Someone you know has made threats to hurt you or someone else.
- You are experiencing extreme distress that seems overwhelming.
In an emergency, dial 999.