Becoming a dad is one of the biggest changes in life – exciting, challenging, and sometimes overwhelming.
At Dad Matters Blackburn with Darwen, we’re here to walk alongside you on your journey, making sure you feel supported, confident, and connected as a father.
We believe every dad deserves the chance to build the best possible relationship with their children, especially in those all-important first 1001 days. That’s why we work with local hospitals, family hubs, and community services to give dads the support they need, right from the start.
Outreach & Drop-Ins
You’ll find us at Blackburn with Darwen hospitals and family hubs, where we run friendly drop-ins. Whether you’re expecting a baby, a brand-new dad, or already on the parenting journey, you can chat with us about anything on your mind.
One-to-One Peer Support
Sometimes it helps to talk to another dad who gets it. We offer personal support sessions where you can share your worries, ask questions, or just have a cuppa and a chat with someone who understands.
Signposting & Information
Fatherhood doesn’t come with a manual, but we can point you in the right direction. From practical parenting advice to local services, we’ll help you make sense of it all and find the support that works for you and your family.
Mental Health & Wellbeing Support
Being a dad can be tough. Stress, anxiety, or feeling low are more common than people realise. We raise awareness, offer a listening ear, and connect you with the right help so you don’t have to face it alone.
Being a dad isn’t always easy. If you’ve faced the ups and downs of parenthood and want to give something back, we’d love to hear from you!
Your lived experience could make a world of difference to another dad who’s just starting his journey.
Here’s how you can get involved:
No experience needed – we provide full training and ongoing support
Flexible volunteering – help in a way that works for you:
1:1 peer support
Online video chats
Phone calls
Be part of a growing community – join other dads making a real impact in Blackburn with Darwen
Share your story, give hope, and build stronger families
Volunteering with Dad Matters isn’t just about giving your time—it’s about helping create a community where dads feel valued, confident, and connected.
Hi, my name is Sam, as a dad to a three-year-old boy, I know firsthand that fatherhood is one of the most rewarding but also most challenging journeys a man can take. Becoming a parent brought incredible joy into my life, but it also opened my eyes to the struggles that so many dads face—pressures, doubts, and moments of feeling isolated. What I’ve learned is how important it is to reach out, to talk, and to ask for help when it’s needed. That’s why I’m proud to be part of Dad Matters powered by Home-Start, where I can use my own experiences to support other fathers, remind them that they’re not alone, and encourage conversations that can make all the difference.
Whether you’re a professional working with dads or a dad looking for support, you can refer yourself or someone else using the forms below.
🔗 Download Referral Form
If you need any support filling out a form, just let us know.
Stay updated, share your experiences, and connect with other dads.
