Parenthood and the Power of Community

At Dads Rock we understand how daunting having a new baby feels. The losing sleep, the changing routines, the drastic shift in your relationships. Suddenly everything changes, and this Mental Health Awareness Week we want to remind dads that you are not alone.

It is very common for parents who have a new baby to struggle with losing their feeling of community. Having a baby means that all of your priorities suddenly change, you are now responsible for someone who is completely dependent on you and so it becomes difficult to meet your own needs. All of a sudden things like meeting up with friends go onto the backburner, and this can leave parents feeling isolated and alone. 

And when you lose that feeling of connection and community, it can make all of the other changes that come with having a new baby feel that much more overwhelming.

When things get tough, Dads Rock is here to help

Dads Rock’s P.S. (Peer Support) service is designed specifically to support dads who are finding early parenthood difficult. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, low mood, or simply feeling overwhelmed, P.S. offers free one-to-one support to dads during the perinatal period (from pregnancy through the first year of their baby’s life).

Our P.S. service pairs dads who want help with highly-trained peer support volunteers to give emotional support. We understand the importance of creating a space where dads feel comfortable to talk, which is why our volunteers are experienced mums and dads who can relate to what new dads are going through.

Feedback from dads who use our P.S. service highlights four common areas:

Reassurance - Many dads tell us that simply having someone to talk to, someone who’s been there, helps them feel less alone in what they’re going through. Hearing that their worries are normal can bring a real sense of calm and perspective.

Confidence - Early parenthood can shake your sense of self. Through supportive conversations, dads often rediscover their own strengths and feel more capable in their role as a parent and partner.

Supporting Mum -  When dads feel more secure and supported, they’re better able to be present and engaged with their partners and families. Many dads reflect that peer support has helped them strengthen their relationship and play a more active role at home.

Feeling Less Isolated - The P.S. service helps to break down that sense of “I’m the only one that feels like this.” Just knowing there’s someone checking in and having someone to talk to makes a huge difference to how dads feel.

Mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum, it’s deeply connected to our relationships and our sense of community. That’s what makes P.S. so effective: it’s not just about supporting dads individually, but about supporting families as a whole.

The service is open to dads/dads-to-be from all over Scotland. We also take referrals from GP’s, Midwives, Health Visitors and other organisations.

We aim to reply to all messages within 48 hours so please check your spam folder if you haven’t heard from us or phone 07807498709

Why Community Matters - Especially This Week

Since 2001 the Mental Health Foundation has set out to shine a spotlight on mental health by leading Mental Health Awareness Week. It is a time to spread awareness, share resources, challenge stigma and start conversations about mental health. 

This year, Mental Health Awareness week takes place from the 12th-18th of May and the theme is ‘Community’, highlighting the important role that human connection and support can play in our mental health. Having a sense of belonging, whether it is from family, friends, colleagues, neighbourhoods or dedicated support groups, has a huge impact on how we cope with challenges and changes in life.

You’re not alone ❤️

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we want to remind all dads that your mental health matters. Community and connection can make all the difference, and at Dads Rock, we’re right here with you. Whether you're struggling, uncertain, or just need someone to talk to, our P.S. service is here to support you through every stage of early parenthood.