NEYDL-Annual-Rep-2023.indd

‘No one really thinks about the young Dad and the huge impact it brings. Very few health professionals actually asked how (name of Dad) was coping with a new baby and he was too worried to tell people! Special mention to Rob (NEYDL staff member) who’s been amazing.’ (Parent of a Young Dad supported by NEYDL) ‘If I ask the question and then they (NEYDL) can give me the answer and I’ll say right, okay, that’s what I need to do and that’s what I need to be aware of, and then that’s me, like me stress, like, calms down. I say right, there’s nothing to stress about. I need to just look at the texts just in case I forget, so I knowwhat I’m doing, so that’s the best thing about it.’ (Young Dad) 18 North East Young Lads & Dads | ANNUAL REPORT 2023 SUPPORT FOR YOUNG DADS THROUGH FAMILY HUBS By Kevin Stoodley At the time of publication, the launch of the Government’s Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme with a focus on providing a system-wide model of joined up, whole family support has raised the potential for NEYDL to work more closely with local authorities. We are pleased to report that NEYDL has now been commissioned to provide 1:1 and peer supported group opportunities to young dads, expectant fathers, and non-birthing people during the perinatal period (0-2 years) in County Durham (excluding Darlington), Middlesbrough, Sunderland, and Gateshead. Whilst still in its infancy, this work is already showing promise, leading to a marked increase in referrals from young dads identified by health visitors and midwifery services and a strong uptake in our services by young men on a voluntary basis. We look forward to reaching and supporting ever more young dads and families over the next 2 years as an integral part of the Family Hub service.