First time Dad, Andy, 42 had hit ‘burnout’ stage when Dad Matters Bradford came into his life. Thanks to their support, Andy is gaining confidence and is more relaxed in his role as a father.
Andy’s Story
Since the birth of my daughter, I have been extremely anxious about my life and my daughter’s future – I was having nightmares, panic attacks and fear of coping and all those worst case scenarios about being a first-time dad – I had hit an emotional burnout.
I found out about Dad Matters Bradford and emailed them with my ‘cry for help’ and within a day or so someone had replied to my message.
One of the Dad Matters Coordinators, Louise, spoke to me over the phone and arranged to come to my home for a one-to-one face-to-face meeting so she could listen to my thoughts, worries and concerns. She was open, friendly and kind with a good understanding of what family life can be like.
Since that first meeting, Louise has been an outlet for me to vent and pour out my thoughts and fears without any prejudice or judgement. Having Louise and the team around just a call or text away has helped me a lot to manage my expectations, my fears and my skills as a dad.
Louise and the team have made a difference to me, allowing me to fear less, gain confidence and the reassurance that as a first-time dad, what I am doing is right!
I am grateful and thankful to have Dad Matters in my life. They have been the only people to reach out directly and quickly respond to my ‘cry for help’. Louise and the team have been lovely and I feel like I have made a new friend.
I hope to continue to work with Louise and the team for myself and hope in the future to help give them support and give something back for their time and constant hard work.
Thank you Dad Matters!
About Dad Matters Bradford
Thanks to the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, we are able to support Dads and male carers directly through Dad Matters Bradford. Mohammed Khan and Louise Gill are our Dad Matters Coordinators.
The Dad Matters coordinators at Home-Start Bradford District supports expectant Dads, Dads and male carers to have the best possible relationship with their children. They will work closely with other professionals within the Bradford District to collectively foster better support for Dads in their parenting journey.
Find out more at dadmattersbradford.org.uk.
