Site Under Development
This site is under development. Please use our Directory to find Local Services.
Support for new dads
Becoming a new dad is an exciting time, but it can also feel overwhelming. It’s normal to sometimes feel unsure or even a little left out, especially when the focus is often on mum and baby. Many dads say it can feel like they’re watching from the sidelines.
We also hear from dads that it can be hard to know where to go for advice, or even how to ask for support.
At Bolton Family Hubs, you’re not alone - there is support for you. There are also plenty of welcoming activities and groups where dads can spend quality time with their babies and children, helping you build confidence, connect with others, and enjoy those special early moments together.
Bolton dads are welcome
Bolton dads are welcome at all our Stay, Play and Learn sessions including Baby Babble and Bond, Chat Play Read and Family Fun Time listed in the Bolton Family Hubs guide. If you’d like to meet other local dads, this section highlights the activities designed just for you.
Building a bond with your baby
It’s easy to assume that newborn babies mainly eat, sleep, cry, and need changing, but they are actually capable of much more than we might think.
From the very beginning, babies enjoy looking at faces, learning familiar smells, and feeling close to you. Skin-to-skin contact can be especially comforting and helps your baby feel safe and secure.
Simple interactions like talking, singing, and spending quiet time together are wonderful ways to strengthen your connection. Using a gentle, rhythmic voice and sharing songs, stories, or calming music, especially when your baby is relaxed or ready for sleep, can support both bonding and their early development.
At Bolton Family Hubs, you can find supportive sessions and activities where dads can enjoy these special moments with their babies and children, while building confidence and connecting with others.
For more inspiration and ideas, take a look at the Ready to Relate website.
Dad Matters
Dad Matters offers free, confidential and non-judgemental support for dads through pregnancy, birth and the early years. If you’re getting ready to welcome your baby, or already navigating life as a new dad, we’re here to help you feel confident, included and supported.
Dad Matters Bolton can support you if:
- you’re expecting a baby or have a child under two years old
- you want to understand more about bonding, attachment and fatherhood
- you’re finding things tough emotionally, including low mood, anxiety or postnatal challenges
- you’re feeling isolated or unsure about your role as a dad
- you’re worried about birth, how to support your partner, or you’ve experienced a difficult birth or loss
What we offer in Bolton
- 1 to 1 peer support – flexible, personalised support that fits around your life
- Peer support groups – relaxed spaces to meet other dads, share experiences, and build confidence
- Home‑Start & Family Hubs partnership – support joined up with your local community and Bolton’s Family Hubs
- Information & resources – clear guidance on bonding, early development, mental health and accessing services.
- Support around the transition to fatherhood, wellbeing, and parent-infant relationships.
For the latest details or any questions contact: richardsmith@homestarthost.org.uk / 07936 359 554
Dad Matters: Saturday Walk and Talks
A great way for you to connect and chat about being a dad with other dads. Get support from our coordinators and some fresh air for you and your little one. For dads and dads-to-be. No need to book. Meet at 10:00am in Moss Bank Park, BL1 6LU.
Andy’s Man Club
Andy's Man Club is a free peer-to-peer group that provides a place for men to come together in a safe and open environment to talk about the issues or problems that they have faced or are currently facing.
Open to all men 18 or over, dad’s and dads-to-be. No children please.
Mondays, 7:00pm – 9:00pm Harvey Family Hub
Online Support
You can also explore 'Togetherness', which offers a range of free online resources focused on child development, emotional wellbeing, and parenting. These resources have been written by NHS professionals and are designed to help build strong relationships and support happier, healthier family life.
At Bolton Family Hubs, we encourage dads to make use of these tools alongside local activities, where you and your baby or children can learn, play, and grow together.
Simply visit www.togetherness.co.uk, create an account, and use the access code RIVINGTON to unlock practical tips and reassurance.