In Somerset, there is growing recognition of the vital role fathers play in their children’s lives, and a range of support is available to help dads navigate parenthood with confidence.
Unbreakable Men is a community-driven initiative designed to encourage men across Somerset to take positive steps toward improving their mental and physical health. Through practical and accessible activities—both online and in person—the programme empowers men to take ownership of their wellness journey. Now with the added convenience of a free app, it’s even easier to get started.
🔗 Learn more: www.sasp.co.uk/unbreakable-men
🏃 Weekly Well-being Sports Sessions
Unbreakable Men hosts casual sports and games across the county to help men connect, stay active, and build confidence:
Day | Location | Time | Venue |
---|---|---|---|
Monday | Wells | 2–3:30pm | Wells Leisure Centre |
Tuesday | Crewkerne | 10–11am | The George Reynolds Centre |
Tuesday | Wellington | 2–3pm | Spartan Gym |
Wednesday | Bridgwater | 1:30–2:30pm | YMCA Bridgwater |
Thursday | Taunton | 1–2pm | Blackbrook Leisure Centre |
Friday | Minehead | 2:15–3:15pm | Minehead Eye |
👶 Supporting New and Expecting Dads
New Dads’ Supporter Programme
Access support by requesting a New Dads’ Supporter Conversation through your GP or a professional working with you. 🔗 nhssomerset.nhs.uk/health/new-fathers-project-2023
📢 Dad Matters (Somerset & UK-wide)
Helping fathers engage in perinatal support and strengthen family relationships.
- Outreach, groups, and 1:1 sessions
- Online workshops: dadmatters.org.uk/workshop 📩 Email: dadmatters@homestart-westsomerset.org.uk 📞 Contact: Dan on 07483 123652
☕ Social Groups & Peer Support Spaces
- Dad’s Breakfast Club – Every 3rd Saturday (currently on hold)
- Somerset Libraries Dad’s Clubs – Check with your local library
- For Dad’s Sake (Frome) – Connect at: facebook.com/groups/2434013187
- Dads of children with disabilities – Thursdays 7–9pm, 32 Goldcroft, Yeovil
- Little Play Town Sessions (Yeovil) – Saturdays 9:15–11:15am 🔗 littleplaytowncafe.co.uk
- Growing Minds’ Dadventurers Meet-Up – Monthly Saturdays, Wellington 🔗 facebook.com/GrowingMinds.Ltd
- Andys Man Club – Monday’s (except Bank Holidays) from 7pm at Claims Consortium Group, Nightingale Lodge, East Reach, Taunton.
⚽ Football Teams for Bereaved Dads
- Yeovil Sands United FC 📧 sandsunitedfcyeovil@gmail.com | 🔗 facebook.com/sandsutdfcyeovil
- Taunton Sands United FC 📧 sufctaunton@gmail.com | Mondays 9–10pm, Castle School 🔗 facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566659772369
Local Men’s Sheds & Activity Workshops
Group | Days | Location & Contact |
---|---|---|
Bridgwater Men’s Shed | Tue/Thu/Fri 10am–3pm | Canal View, TA6 3NS • slamshed.org |
Balsam Centre, Wincanton | Tue/Thu 10am–12:30pm | Booking: 01963 31842 • info.slamshed@gmail.com |
Street & Walton Shed | Tuesdays 9am–12:30pm | Email: brianbastable123@hotmail.co.uk |
National Mental Health Support & Resources
🔈 Talk Club
Talk Club is a UK male mental health charity helping men to improve their mental health. They offer:
- TALK & LISTEN- Peer to peer talking groups
- TALK & EXERCISE- Peer to peer sharing around a physical activity
- TALKING THERAPIES – Therapy Group run by a fully qualified therapist
Branches across Somerset available: 🔗 talkclub.org
PANDAS Foundation
PANDAS is a community offering peer-to-peer support for you, your family and your network, including:
- Website: pandasfoundation.org.uk/how-we-can-support-you/support-for-dads
- Weekly Zoom calls
- Peer-to-peer groups
- WhatsApp daily support (07903 508334)
- Helpline: 0808 1961 776
- Bookable call service 📧 supportme@pandasfoundation.org.uk
📚 Toolkits & Info for New Dads
Explore resources for bonding, mental health, and newborn care:
- www.nct.org.uk/life-parent/bonding-and-caring-for-your-baby/how-can-dads-bond-their-baby
- thedadpad.co.uk
- www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/bonding
- ihv.org.uk/for-health-visitors/resources-for-members/resource/ihv-tips-for-parents/mental-health/top-tips-for-dads
- www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/new-dad-guide-to-good-mental-health
- www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/dads-and-partners
- www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/support-and-services/tips-for-new-parents
- www.nct.org.uk/life-parent/bonding-and-caring-for-your-baby/being-new-dad-early-days
- www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/dads-and-partners/looking-after-your-mental-health-after-baby-born
- cypsomersethealth.org/maternity_toolkit