Being a dad is one of the best things in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Whether you’re a new dad trying to find your feet, a single father navigating parenthood, or simply someone looking to meet other dads, sometimes a little extra support can go a long way.
Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic organisations, charities and communities across the UK offering help, advice and opportunities for dads.
I’ve put together this list of useful resources for dads, covering everything from mental health and practical advice to meeting other fathers and finding fun activities to enjoy with your children.
Hopefully, you’ll find something useful!
Mental Health & Wellbeing Support for Dads
Fatherhood can bring plenty of challenges, and looking after your own mental health is just as important as looking after your family. These organisations offer support and somewhere to turn if things get a little overwhelming.
Andy’s Man Club offers free, peer-to-peer support groups for men across the UK. It’s a place where men can talk openly about their experiences, share their worries or simply listen to others. There’s no pressure to speak, and the groups aim to provide a friendly, judgement-free environment.
Dad Matters supports dads during pregnancy and the early stages of parenthood. They offer advice, information and emotional support, helping fathers build confidence, develop relationships with their children and look after their own wellbeing.
PANDAS provides support and information for parents and families affected by perinatal mental health difficulties. They also have support specifically aimed at dads, recognising that fathers can struggle with their mental health during the transition into parenthood too.
Parenting Advice & Practical Support
Sometimes you just need a little advice, whether that’s dealing with everyday parenting challenges, navigating family changes or finding help with finances and other practical matters.
The DadPad is a fantastic resource for new fathers, offering practical information and guidance to help you prepare for life with a baby. From looking after your newborn to supporting your partner and understanding your own emotions, it’s a useful starting point for dads who are new to parenthood.
Parenthood brings plenty of responsibilities, and sometimes you need help with things beyond parenting itself. Citizens Advice offers free guidance on a range of subjects, including money, employment, housing, benefits and family matters.
Gingerbread is a charity supporting single-parent families, including single fathers. Their website offers practical advice, information and support for parents raising children on their own.
Families Need Fathers provides information, advice and support for parents dealing with family breakdown and separation. They focus on helping parents maintain meaningful relationships with their children and navigating the challenges of separated parenting.
Meeting Other Dads & Finding Your Community
Being a parent can sometimes feel a little isolating, particularly if you don’t have many other dads to talk to. Thankfully, there are communities around the country helping fathers connect, make friends and share their experiences.
The Dads Network is a national organisation supporting community dads’ groups across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Their website includes a directory where you can search for local groups and find opportunities to meet other fathers in your area.
Dad La Soul is a social enterprise bringing dads and male carers together through events, activities and shared experiences. Their aim is to tackle social isolation and create opportunities for fathers to build friendships and support networks.
Men’s Sheds provide welcoming community spaces where men can meet, chat, share skills and work on projects together. They’re not exclusively for dads, but they can be a brilliant way to get out of the house, meet new people and enjoy some time doing something different.
Fun Activities to Enjoy With Your Children
Not every resource needs to be about advice or support. Sometimes you just want to find something fun to do with the kids and spend a little quality time together.
Who Let The Dads Out? is a network of local groups offering relaxed sessions for dads, father figures and their children. They’re a great opportunity to enjoy some activities together while meeting other local families. You can use their directory to find a group near you.
Dangerous Dads encourages fathers and male carers to get outdoors and enjoy active adventures with their children. Activities vary between groups but can include outdoor challenges, games and plenty of opportunities to make memories together.
DadFest brings dads, father figures and their children together for fun-filled events around the UK. Activities can include camping, outdoor adventures, games, music and much more. It’s a brilliant idea for families looking to enjoy something a little different.
A Final Word
There are plenty of resources available to help dads, but knowing where to find them isn’t always easy.
Whether you’re looking for parenting advice, a little emotional support, somewhere to meet other fathers or simply some inspiration for days out with the kids, hopefully this list has given you somewhere to start.
And remember, there’s no such thing as a perfect dad. We’re all figuring things out as we go along, and sometimes a little help from someone else can make all the difference.
If you know of any other useful resources for dads that deserve a place on this list, I’d love to hear about them. I’m always happy to add more recommendations to help fellow fathers! If you want to hear from more great Fathers, check out this list of the best UK dad blogs.
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Hi, I’m Steve. I’m a dad to a seven-year-old and the founder of The Diary of Dad. Having navigated everything from the newborn days to big-kid milestones, I share honest parenting advice and simple, low-prep kids’ crafts and activities to help other families make the most of every stage.