Our Parents in Mind service is expanding – with support for dads’ and partners’ mental health in Newham and East Sussex. Read more about it.
Our Parents in Mind service for dads and partners experiencing difficulties with wellbeing and mental health, has been running in the North West since April 2021. Now we’re delighted to say it’s expanding to Newham and East Sussex, so we’ll be able to support more fathers and co-parents.
In Newham, the first cohort of volunteers has just been trained, and a new group of volunteers will begin their training this weekend. The service should be fully mobile by July and will provide a range of activities, from ad hoc social events to pop-in groups.
Imran Ali, who’s setting up the service in Newham, has been having conversations with the local community to listen to what they want, finding out what barriers they face and what would stop people from coming along.
Imran said: “I love the ethos of doing things for dads. Dads go through a lot of things, and support is out there. This is tailor made for dads and partners.
“We’re also looking at how we can support migrants, those from ethnic backgrounds and seldom heard groups. How do we engage with them and make a safe space for all?
“We want people to feel a part of it and like something is being done.”
Newham:
The service is building partnerships with other charities, GP surgeries and the NHS, and is open for referrals (people can also refer themselves).
From Tuesday 25 July there’ll be a social event in Durning Hall Community Centre, E7 9AB, on the last Tuesday of the month from 7-9pm. Dads will be able to touch base and see what they can get from the service. Imran will also be visiting schools in Newham to talk to parents.
From Saturday 8 July, on the second Saturday of the month there will be park walks in West Ham Park, Upton Lane, E7 9PU, from 10am to 12pm.
If you’d like to find out more, you can email Imran: parentsinmind.newham@nct.org.uk
East Sussex:
There will be a ‘Gather’ at the Beacon Shopping Centre in Eastbourne on Saturday 17 June from 10-1pm. If you’re pregnant or a parent of a child under two, or you’re a dad or partner of a baby under the age of two, come along and say hello, find out about what Parents in Mind do and grab a freebie!
You can contact James and Michael at the East Sussex service on parentsinmind.es@nct.org.uk.
