Last night we were pleased to attend the annual South West Integrated Personalised Care Awards to celebrate innovation and excellence in health services across the South West Region.
Special recognition was given to Dr. Jo Nicholl, Designated Doctor for Safeguarding Children in Somerset for the work that she has undertaken in setting up services to support new fathers by offering them health check appointments, including a strong focus on their wellbeing and supporting their role as a new dad.
The SSCP has a strong focus on engaging and supporting fathers, informed by local and national reviews and research from the Fatherhood Institute and NSPCC. Jo’s work focuses on involving fathers during the ante-natal and post-natal periods to prepare them for parenting and identify support needs as early as possible. If needs are identified these can be supported by appropriate services such as health coaches, GP’s, village agents and others.
Jo’s project includes a training program that has reached over 40% of practices since its launch a few months ago. Plans are in place to expand training across the county and engage with targeted groups like the armed forces. Jo, along with Sammy Wright from SASP and SSCP’s Training Manager Steve Macabee, developed and delivered the program, which focuses on engaging fathers and male carers and supporting them into the program.
To find out what the judges were impressed with here’s a brief recording from the night:
Podcast episodes:
If you’d like to find out more about the project, or about how to better engage with fathers listen to some of our recent P-Pod podcast episodes on the subject:
NHS Somerset: New Father’s Project
When a new baby is expected, mums rightly get a lot of support before, during and after the birth. We know that dads often miss out on the same level of support and aftercare.
We want to change this so that everyone can get the advice and guidance they need to enjoy parenthood. Even if you have been a dad before, every baby is different. Parenthood can be particularly hard if you are struggling with something else in your life – whether it’s money worries, physical or mental health concerns or addiction. We want to make sure that all new dads and nonbirthing partners are supported.
Download the New Fathers Project leaflet HERE
Find out more about the New Father’s Project HERE
