As part of the Wolverhampton Family Hubs programme, City of Wolverhampton Council is pleased to announce that DadPad® – an essential free guide to help new and existing fathers – is now available to dads across the city.

DadPad® is a free app developed with the NHS and is filled with advice and guidance on becoming a dad, what to expect, and how to support themselves, their partner and their baby, as well as details on local support groups and service providers – all for free for fathers living in Wolverhampton.

There are a range of topics covered on the app to help dads, including advice on feeding, holding, changing and cleaning your baby, dealing with broken nights, coping with persistent crying and supporting their partners.

Cllr Jasbir Jaspal, Adults and Wellbeing, said: “I am delighted that we are able to provide such great support for new dads and dads-to-be as part of ongoing work on increasing the involvement of fathers in a child’s early years.

“This app provides targeted guidance on how to support and seek help when needed, for their partners and themselves, as they adjust to their new roles as parents at what can be an exciting but pressurised time so that they are able to cope with the physical and emotional strains that a new baby can place on individuals and relationships.”

Cllr Jacqui Coogan, Children, Young People and Education, added: “DadPad® is a very welcome addition to the help we have available and will not only assist dads hugely through the journey of becoming a parent but will also give babies and their families the best start in life, providing new fathers with guidance on how to develop skills.

“Building a strong attachment with their babies will not only enable dads to better enjoy their new role but also contribute towards positive long-term social, health and educational outcomes for their babies.”

City of Wolverhampton Council have worked with a range of partners across The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolves Foundation and other local voluntary groups.

Natalie Colclough, Specialist Health Visitor for Perinatal Mental Health, said: “As a new dad you will feel excited, but you may also feel left out, unsure or overwhelmed. We are pleased to have DadPad® in the city and are promoting it to fathers at every opportunity.”

Julian Bose, founder of DadPad®, said: “The app was created by listening to what dads, their partners and professionals asked for in relation to preparing for fatherhood because babies don't come with a set of instructions – DadPad® can help by giving dads the knowledge, information and advice needed to help give their babies the best possible start in life.”

New and existing fathers in the city are now able to download our local DadPad® app for free when registering with their Wolverhampton postcode. Printed versions of DadPad® will shortly be available in all libraries and Family Hubs across the city.

To find out more about DadPad® and to download the app, go to: https://thedadpad.co.uk/app/ – you’ll see ‘Wolverhampton’ listed towards the top under the ‘New app platform’ heading and you can click on the relevant links for your device under this heading to download.

For more information about other support available for all parents, contact your local Family Hub: https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/children-social-care/family-hubs