Key resources

Supporting men to access appropriate parenting support can reduce risk, improve engagement, and strengthen outcomes for children.
The following organisations provide targeted support for fathers, male carers, and families.

• Fatherhood Institute – UK’s leading organisation promoting father-inclusive practice and provides research, factsheets, and guidance for dads and professionals
• Dad Matters (Home-Start) – Focus on early years, attachment, and emotional wellbeing and offers peer support, groups, and one-to-one support for fathers
• Mental Health Foundation – Becoming Dad – Practical, accessible guide covering emotional wellbeing, relationships, and parenting
• DadPad – NHS-supported app and guide for new dads that covers practical parenting, supporting partner, and baby care

Practitioners should consider referral where:

• There is evidence of domestic abuse or controlling behaviour
• Risk is ongoing or escalating
• The individual is willing (or required) to engage in change
• Other interventions have not reduced risk

• Rosalie Ryrie Foundation – provide a service to help victims, perpetrators, young people, children and families through all forms of abusive behaviour including domestic abuse, child abuse and coercive control. This covers violence and aggressive and conforming behaviours.
• Cranstoun – provides services for adults and young people who need support around alcohol and other drugs, domestic abuse, housing and criminal justice.

The Government have set out standards for dealing with perpetrators of domestic abuse. For more information download the policy paper here. For guidance for frontline practitioners from RESPECT, click here.

Mental health difficulties can significantly impact parenting capacity, relationships, and engagement with services.

Practitioners should: Normalise conversations about mental health; Offer male-specific services where possible; Support with practical barriers (appointments, referrals); Triangulate information – avoid relying on self-reporting alone.

• Andy’s Man Club – Free peer support groups for men across the UK with no referral needed and a drop-in format
• Men Who Talk – Peer groups focused on talking, listening, and emotional check-ins
• The Dad Squad – Talking to others when you’re struggling x

If the men you are working with need crisis help either call 999, go to A&E or call NHS 111 helpline. Other options available are:

• Samaritans (24/7)
• Shout text service (text 85258)
• National Suicide Prevention Helpline – 116 123

Substance misuse can significantly impact parenting capacity, decision-making, and risk within families.

Early identification and access to appropriate support can reduce harm and improve outcomes for children. Substance misuse is often hidden or minimisedIt may present through disengagement, instability or aggression.

• Turning Point – Useful for complex needs (substance misuse + mental health + housing)
• Talk to Frank – National drugs helpline and website with advice, information, and support for individuals and families