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Men’s Advice Line is a national confidential helpline (0808 801 0327) providing advice and support for men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner – this includes all men, in heterosexual or same-sex relationships.

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Self Refer using our easy online form or just text Andy on 07926 075 444 to find out more

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Self Refer using our easy online form or just text Andy on 07926 075 444 to find out more

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Join our local Dads whatsapp, evening zoom chat, one-to-one phone calls, walks in the park or Saturday space.

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Discover self-guided therapy programmes designed by leading LGBTQIA+ psychotherapists.

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Guided meditation for your self-care.

Sleep better, and reduce your stress and anxiety with our mindfulness exercises. Specially crafted mindfulness programs for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Topics include:
* Calming Anxiety
* Reducing Stress
* Forgiving Others
* Comparing Myself With Others
* Mindfulness in Relationships
* Jealousy in Relationships
* Breaking Habits: Chemsex
* Breaking Habits: Alcohol Abuse
* Intersectionality: Race, Gender, Disability

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Voda | The LGBTQIA+ Mental Wellbeing App

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Guided therapy programs designed by and for the LGBTQIA+ community, based on mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy.

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Join Dad Matters for an online workshop for dads-to-be and new dads with babies under 12 weeks old. Every 3rd Tuesday and 3rd Saturday of each month.

please email us here to book on

dadmatters@homestarthost.org.uk

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Join Dad Matters for a FREE online workshop for dads-to-be and new dads with babies under 12 weeks old.

During this online video session, we will talk about our three key topics; Attachment and Bonding, Mum's and Dad's Mental Health and Wellbeing and Access to Appropriate Services.

We also cover Labour, Birth and Beyond from a Dad's perspective.

This is your chance to learn about aiding your baby's development, consoling your baby, how to cope with a crying baby, how to look after yourself in this major life transition, how to support your partner, where to go for help, support, advice and education about new babies!
Every 3rd Tuesday and 3rd Saturday of each month.
dadmatters@homestarthost.org.uk

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Join Dad Matters for an online workshop for dads-to-be and new dads with babies under 12 weeks old.Join Dad Matters for a FREE online workshop for dads-to-be and

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A New Perinatal Mental Health Dads Short Film by Acacia and award-winning animators FORMED Films (Makers of Perinatal Positivity)

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A New Perinatal Mental Health Dads Short Film by Acacia and award-winning animators FORMED Films (Makers of Perinatal Positivity)

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Perinatal mental health problems affect both parents.  Working in partnership with Formed Films, we have produced a new short animated awareness raising film for dads which we hope will be shared far and wide.  This version includes subtitles.

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Pink Parents offers support for gay and lesbian parents.

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Pink Parents offers support for gay and lesbian parents.

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Join pandas dads on facebook for further support online

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Pandas Dads is on Facebook. Join Facebook to connect with Pandas Dads and others you may know. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected.

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Becoming Dad - A guide for new fathers (download now)

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Becoming Dad - A guide for new fathers (download now)

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Some men become Dads intentionally, having made an active decision to become a father and taken whatever steps are necessary to get there. For others, it’s more of a surprise or even a shock.

You may find that once you discover it’s going to happen, you really don’t feel ready for fatherhood. The important thing is to try not to worry too much. Many men feel that way but end up surprising themselves regarding how well they adjust.

You will learn by finding your own way and trusting your instincts – which are probably better than you realise. No parent is perfect. We all make mistakes. But one of the first lessons you’ll learn as a Dad is that nature has built you for this. Men are designed for fatherhood, just like women are for motherhood.

We Dads can be as sensitive to a baby’s cries as mothers are. Within hours of birth, we can recognise our babies just by touching their hands, even when we’re blindfolded. Our bonds with our children can be as strong as iron if we put the time in – and that’s true even if they don’t share our genes or live with us full-time! You’ve got this.

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Many men experience various emotions before and when they first become fathers. It’s natural. In this guide, we focus on helping you make sense of what it can be like to be a Dad, to look after yourself and the others around you, and do the best possible job of becoming a confident father.

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The DadPad app  is an easy to use, freely downloadable resource for new dads, partners, parents and dads to be in the Cheshire and Merseyside area, packed with relevant information, as well as details on local support groups and service providers. Its aim is to provide new fathers with guidance on how to develop the mindset, confidence and practical skills needed to meet their babies’ physical and emotional needs.
The app also provides dads with guidance on how to support and seek help (when needed) for their partners and themselves as they adjust to their new roles, and cope with the physical and emotional strains that this can place on individuals and relationships.

The app covers topics such as:

Feeding, holding, changing and cleaning your baby

Surviving without sleep and coping with crying

Getting to know your baby

Home safety and first aid

Looking after yourself and supporting your partner.

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Get the DadPad app!

Welcome to the DadPad app download page.

If you are using an Apple device, please click on the App Store button below.

If you are using an Android device, please click on the Google Play button.

Once you've downloaded the app onto your device, you will be prompted to enter your postcode. From here, you will be invited to select the most relevant app for your area, containing information on local services, support groups and hospitals.

Please note that the content can only be accessed in areas of the country with a current DadPad app licence.

If it is not available but you wish that it was, please get in touch to let us know! We are working on and launching the app in new areas all the time, to ensure that it is accessible to as many dads-to-be and new dads that need our help as possible. Please keep an eye on our social media pages (e.g. Twitter and Facebook) and News page, as well as your own local newspapers, radio and television, for details of each new DadPad area as it is launched.

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DadPad | DadPad app | Essential guide for new dads

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Welcome to the DadPad app download page. If you are using an Apple device, please click on the App Store button below. If you are using an Android device, please click on the Google Play button. Once you've downloaded the app onto your device, you will be prompted to enter your postcode.

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Breast feeding - Marks story on supporting his partner

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Breast feeding - Marks story on supporting his partner

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When it comes to breastfeeding, you might wonder what you can do to support your partner and baby. The truth is you can make a huge difference.
If you think your partner needs more information, support or just someone to talk to, why not give one of our trained breastfeeding counsellors a call on our support line: 0300 330 0700. The line is open every day from 8am to midnight, including bank holidays.

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A fortnightly group for fathers and male carers held at Sutton family Hubs in St Helens 

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Looking for a safe place to spend your saturday mornings with your baby or child?
Our team leader Andy and our volunteers can support you in attending the group

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Daddy Debates - with the Birth trauma association

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Dads and birth trauma with Arran, Garret and the Birth Trauma Association #DaddyDebates podcast (S2 E4)

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Listen to this episode from #DaddyDebates Podcast on Spotify. In this week's episode Elliott chats to Arran and Garrett, 2 dads who have both experienced birth trauma. We are also joined by Kim from the Birth Trauma Association (https://birthtraumaassociation.org.uk/) We have a really open and honest conversation about what it's like being a dad and watching your partner go through a difficult birth, feelings of helplessness, PTSD and therapy.

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Partners are very likely to have been present at the birth and witnessed the distress and pain of their wife or partner. The feeling of helplessness for the one you love can be extremely upsetting and the experience is likely to have also been very traumatic for the dad.

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All too often, husbands and partners are overlooked when it comes to providing support and information on mental health.

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All too often, husbands and partners are overlooked when it comes to providing support and information on mental health. Evidence suggests that the risk factors, and impact, of perinatal mental health are reduced when mums have a supportive partner. Furthermore, fathers can develop 'perinatal mental health' problems (either as a result of their spouse's/partner's illness or independently). There is often little guidance available for men to understand the causes, risk factors, treatments and prognosis of perinatal mental illness, quite apart from what support they can give to their partner. Fathers also need information on how to improve their own mental health. On this page, you will find some information about the latest campaigns that I am involved with, some media stories that have been run about that, and an overview of resources and support for fathers.

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Fathers mental health - Dr Andrew Mayers

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This page describes the work I do for fathers' mental health, focusing on education, research, campaigning and advisory roles

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Yes, men do get postpartum depression. It’s a fact that most people – and even many health professionals – don’t know. As a result, most men with postpartum depression suffer in isolation. With PostpartumMen, these dads are no longer alone.

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PostpartumMen is a place for men with concerns about depression, anxiety or other problems with mood after the birth of a child. It promotes self-help, provides important information for fathers - including a self-assessment for postpartum depression - hosts an online forum for dads to talk to each other, offers resources, gathers new information about men's experiences postpartum, and - most importantly - helps fathers to beat the baby blues.

Yes, men do get postpartum depression. It's a fact that most people - and even many health professionals - don't know. As a result, most men with postpartum depression suffer in isolation. With PostpartumMen, these dads are no longer alone.

こちらは日本の公共放送（NHK）で放送された、 産後うつについての番組です。ぜひご覧ください。
En Espanol, nueva revista historia, "Depresion Posparto Masculina." View Article
PostpartumMen Awarded 5 Stars!
See Below to Learn More
Remember seeing your baby for the first time? You were probably filled with pride and excitement. That's what you always heard it was like having a child - pure joy. Baby bliss.

Then, reality sets in. Sleepless nights. A screaming infant needing nearly constant care. Fights with your partner. Going to work exhausted.

Then, over time, you've noticed things have gotten worse.

Now, you've lost your sense of humor, and there's not much to look forward to. You've started getting more anxious or panicky. You've had trouble sleeping. And you're miserable a lot of the time.

Or perhaps you've been irritable. You're getting more stressed at work and getting angry with your wife. Maybe you've noticed you're drinking more - or withdrawing from people.

These are all signs of men's depression. You may think you should just "get over it" - and that you must be the only guy who can't. But you're not the only one.

Every day, over 1,000 new dads in the United States become depressed. And according to some studies, that number is as high as 2,700. That's 1 in 10 to as many as 1 in 4 new dads who have postpartum depression. Whatever the exact number, we know that a lot of fathers are suffering from this painful condition.

The truth is, depression, anxiety and other mood disorders are common. In fact, they're just as common - and just as real - as physical problems, like heart disease and diabetes. They can also be as crippling.

Now, contrary to what you might think, admitting you're depressed isn't admitting defeat. It's admitting there's hope. And it's taking charge of your life.

Postpartum depression in dads - or PPND (for Paternal Postnatal Depression) - is a very serious condition. Without effective treatment, it can result in damaging, long-term consequences for a man, his child, and his entire family. But with proper treatment and support, men can fully recover from PPND.

Depression isn't something a guy can simply "get over." It's a health condition that needs to be treated - just like a bad heart or injured knee. PostpartumMen is a place for you to find the strength and courage you need to get your life back on track.

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PostpartumMen is a place for men with concerns about depression, anxiety or other problems with mood after the birth of a child. It promotes self-help, provides important information for fathers - including a self-assessment for postpartum depression - hosts an online forum for dads to talk to each other, offers resources, gathers new information about men's experiences postpartum, and - most importantly - helps fathers to beat the baby blues.

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Parents in Mind would not exist without our incredible team of dedicated volunteers. All with a wealth of experience of being parents and dealing with their own mental health struggles

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How you can help build your baby's brain.

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Contact Jeff via email: sthelensshed@gmail.com Meeting @ Cabbage Hall ALLOTMENT Hard lane WA10 6NY next to the Windle pub.

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Encouraging a mix of generations/skill sharing for all.
We're a community space for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but for groups of men to enjoy together. They help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun. - Its more about the inclusion than the activity, its this that improves the health and well-being of our members.

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Free drop in group for men in St Helens, no need to book - Follow on facebook: Positivelifeworkshops

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There are a range of games to choose from all the way from boxing to mini golf.
Designed with mental health improvement in mind + A free drink included

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https://youtu.be/cxfXLbj3B2c

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Meeting very Friday in person.

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Local support group in St Helen's area. Every Thursday in person.

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Volunteer Barrie talks openly about his mental health struggles, and recognising his post natal depression year later.

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A new dad from Merseyside has explained how he battled with post-natal depression following the birth of his first child.

Barrie Palfry from Haydock, St Helens, struggled to bond with his daughter and says he did not receive help because he is a man.

He said, "It's not easy being a new father, especially if you're working all day, then looking after the baby when you get home. It's exhausting but dads often feel they have to get on with things and, if you've got a problem, bottle it up."

I now realise I had post-natal depression. No one was helping me because I was a bloke and expected to get on with it, 'don't be soft'.

Barrie Palfry

Barrie now volunteers as a peer supporter to help other fathers with similar perinatal mental health issues.

He added, "I could feel myself going downhill and felt useless, couldn't bond with my daughter, couldn't function. I even felt suicidal at one point.

"Someone at work noticed how low I was and gave me the opportunity to get everything off my chest. Someone listened to me when I was at my lowest and so I'd like to give something back. I understand how it feels to get that low."

New fathers concerned about their mental health

The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) is calling for more recognition of mental health issues amongst new fathers.

The charity set up Parents in Mind: Partners in St Helens to support everyone who has an active role raising a child under two, including dads, mums' partners or other family members.

Volunteers like Barrie are trained to tackle the stigma and offer help to men who need it following the birth of their children.

Stockshot of a father with his baby Credit: Annette Riedl/DPA/PA Images

Project Manager Catherine Briars said: "We want to highlight how common new dads' mental health problems are and encourage men not to suffer in silence.

"Becoming a parent is an emotional rollercoaster, bringing with it significant mental health challenges. We want all parents to feel safe sharing these difficulties - knowing that you are 'not alone' can bring so much relief.

"The dads in the group have been awe-inspiring: honest, courageous and resilient and will be great supporters of local fathers. It's important we sow the seeds of this work more widely, and develop support for more parents across the UK."

Fathers worried about their partner's mental health

NCT research previously found that more than 1 in 3 new fathers were concerned about their mental health and almost three quarters of dads were worried about their partner's mental health.

The charity says that it is unlikely that these figures have improved during the pandemic.

NCT says it already highlights fathers' mental health issues on its antenatal courses and at reunion sessions.

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New dad battled with post-natal depression after birth of first child | ITV News

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A new dad from Merseyside has explained how he battled with post-natal depression following the birth of his first child. Barrie Palfry from Haydock, St Helens, struggled to bond with his daughter and says he did not receive help because he is a man.

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We're here to help you no matter how long you've been grieving. Learn more about our different bereavement support services here.

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Support for anyone affected by problem gambling

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Call 0808 8020 133. When you're ready to talk, we're ready to listen.

Call 0808 8020 133. When you're ready to talk, we're ready to listen.

MyGamCare

Make changes to your gambling behaviours and take those first steps today...

Read & bookmark resources

Your recovery toolkit

Information, tools and support you can do on your own

Your Stories

Mark had a successful career in the financial markets before his gambling behaviour began to take a toll. He says: "I got to the point where I started chasing my losses with gambling, and that's when I really felt everything went downhill. I began stealing from the company I worked for in ...

"I began gambling online around four years ago, and during this time I felt like he was becoming a completely different person... I was suffering with stress, mostly related to my work. However, when even moving jobs didn't seem to help, I turned to gambling. I would neglect my wife and ...

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GamCare - Founder of the National Gambling Helpline

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The National Gambling Helpline provides free support for anyone affected by gambling harms in Great Britain.

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Parents Advice | ICON - Infant Crying Is Normal

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ICON provides info & tips

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Pete is the lead support for dads, 1-1, groups & walk-talks, he also produces our podcast series, interviewing parents about their experiences.

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Rob is part of our group support, 1-1 and walk and talks.

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Andy H is part of our group support, 1-1 and walk and talks.

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Independent debt, law, housing & health advice

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Volunteer with us

Over 16,000 highly trained volunteers support the delivery of our service. Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and find volunteering rewarding, challenging and fun. We have a range of roles in local Citizens Advice and Witness Service, want to find out more?

Our volunteer opportunities

Find your local Citizens Advice

For more information and advice

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Online free advice from Citizens Advice to help you find a way forward, whatever the problem. Our research enables us to campaign on issues affecting people's lives.

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For a safe place to stay, or just to talk

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Support and advice from the St Helens Domestic Abuse Team

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Acacia Family Support | Postnatal Depression Support Services | Dads / Partners | LGBTQ+

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Acacia Family Support - Prenatal Depression and Postnatal Depression Support Services

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10-25% of New Gay Dads Experience Depression: James Guay

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10-25% of New Gay Dads Experience Depression: James Guay, Living More Fully

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A lesbian couple discuss the benefits of community support

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Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa PADA

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Kim & Andi - a Journey with Postnatal Anxiety & Depression through the Lesbian Lens

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Domestic abuse affects men too | Men's Advice Line UK

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This factsheet explains what a non-molestation order is, how it can protect victims of domestic abuse, and how to apply for one.

Men's Advice Line evaluation survey

Have you spoken to our Advisors? Tell us about your experience

Take our survey

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Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men | Men's Advice Line UK

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The Men's Advice Line is for male victims of domestic abuse. We offer confidential advice, non-judgmental support, practical information and help

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Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma

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Find groups and service near you

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A lists of texts that can reduce stress and lift mood

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https://reading-well.org.uk/books/mood-boosting-books

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skip to Main Content

Research shows that reading improves mental well-being, and reduces stress levels by 67%. Reading Well Mood-Boosting Books is a national promotion of uplifting titles, including novels, poetry and non-fiction. The books are all recommended by readers and reading groups. There is also a special lists chosen by people affected by cancer and young and older people.

Most LiveWire libraries have a display of Mood-Boosting Books chosen by staff, or ask staff for help in finding and choosing books.

LiveWire libraries have thousands of books to choose from, both in libraries and through their e-book collection.

We use cookies to help ensure that our website and services are able to function properly. These cookies are necessary and so are set automatically.

We would also like to use some cookies to make your visit more personal. These cookies are optional, and you can choose which types you'd like to accept. To do this, select Set Cookie Preference.

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skip to Main Content Research shows that reading improves mental well-being, and reduces stress levels by 67%. Reading Well Mood-Boosting Books is a national promotion of uplifting titles, including novels, poetry and non-fiction. The books are all recommended by readers and reading groups.

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Reminders and Info as your Baby Develops

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Download the CATCH app to receive notifications from trusted health care professionals, in line with your baby's stage

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CATCH eases the sense of information overload, particularly regarding pregnancy and children's health. With the number of resources available, it can be difficult to know who to trust. CATCH provides local NHS-approved information with your best interests at heart, so you won't need to look elsewhere.

All of the information provided by CATCH comes from NHS-approved sources and has been reviewed by health professionals from your area.

You will regularly receive health advice tailored to your child's age as they grow.

We only ask for the first part of your postcode to identify your local health authority. We never store any of your personal data in the cloud.

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CATCH - Common Approach To Children's Health

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CATCH eases the sense of information overload, particularly regarding pregnancy and children's health. With the number of resources available, it can be difficult to know who to trust. CATCH provides local NHS-approved information with your best interests at heart, so you won't need to look elsewhere.

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All the links below offer more info on how your mental health can suffer during pregnancy and when baby arrives

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Mind
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/partners/#SupportForPartners

Mental Health Info Booklet for Partners
https://www.acacia.org.uk/files/cms/436_national%20guide%20for%20website.pdf

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
https://www.thecalmzone.net/

Samaritans (chance to talk, 24/7)
https://www.samaritans.org/

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Support for the whole family to stop smoking in pregnancy

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The Stop Smoking service work in partnership with local midwives to provide support throughout pregnancy, from conception, to birth and afterwards. This includes the offer of support sessions in the comfort of your own home and our local voucher reward scheme will help to keep you motivated to stay…

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Activities and Classes for Babies & Toddlers

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https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/social-care-health/children-and-families/childrens-centres-in-st-helens/

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Practical & emotional support & general info about caring for a baby.
Visit the website, or call the support line (8am-12am daily)
0300 330 0700

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We're here to support you and your unique experience of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

Our vision is that everyone who becomes a parent feels confident, connected, and safe.

We share evidence-based information you can trust

We create opportunities to connect with other parents

We listen to your experiences, amplify all parents' voices and campaign for change

We are strong advocates for improving experiences of pregnancy, birth, infant feeding, and early parenthood, equitably, for all parents.

Access networks of support and build friendships through our courses and community events.

Use our resources to make informed decisions that feel right for you.

Information for parents

If you're pregnant or a new parent, we know that you will have a number of questions and concerns about coronavirus. In our sections below, we've created a range of articles about how coronavirus might affect your pregnancy, birth and early days as a parent.

Pregnancy

When it comes to your pregnancy, we've got it covered. You'll find everything you need to help you feel confident and reassured over the next nine months right here.
Find out more

Labour & birth

Thinking about how, what happens and where to give birth? We're here to help you feel more confident. We've got information and tips on everything you need to know.
Find out more

Baby & toddler

Your baby's arrived and you've probably got 101 things on your mind. Don't worry, you're not on your own. We're here with information and support as your baby develops.
Find out more

Life as a parent

You've just had a baby and everyone is focused on your little one. But how about you? We're with you on your journey with support and tips from other mums and dads.
Find out more

Courses and workshops

Interactive, engaging and social, our antenatal course is a fun and exciting way to grow your knowledge of birth and early parenthood, and make life-long friends.
View all courses & workshops

Local activities and meet-ups

Our local activities and meet-ups can help you build up a supportive social network around you.

Support NCT Charity by becoming a member

Join NCT and there's great member benefits for you - exclusive live talks, money-saving offers & competitions, digital magazine & quick-read newsletters, plus early entry to every NCT Nearly New Sale - whilst you help fund free support for others.

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The UK's leading charity for parents | NCT

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We are the charity that supports people as they become parents. We're here for you through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

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Local addiction support service

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Coronavirus info

The way you get support from us might be different for a while, but we are still here. If you're worried about something, please get in touch. You can contact us on 01744 410752 or email us on [email protected] .

Our hub is open from Monday to Friday between 9:00 and 17:00.

We can see you face-to-face if necessary, but we're trying to limit this as much as possible. Instead, we'll speak to you over the phone.

Our needle exchange is still open. You can also call us and we can deliver you needle packs.

To help you stay safe, we are changing the way we prescribe medication for a while. Please take a look at our prescriptions info page to see what's happening. If you have questions about your prescription please give us a call on 01744 410752.

We have a timetable of group sessions that are available online on weekdays. Please speak to your recovery coordinator or give us a ring on 01744 410752 to get a copy of the timetable and info on how to join.

You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updates.

Find the latest information on coronavirus on our information pages or the NHS website.

How we can help

We are a drug and alcohol service for adults aged 19+, families and carers in St Helens. We offer a wide range of support including one-to-one appointments and group work. As well as drugs and alcohol, we offer support with health and wellbeing mental health, criminal justice, domestic abuse and homelessness.

We also have a Building Bridges project. This is a specialist family support project. We work with parents who are affected by substance use.

These are our opening times.

Monday 09:00 - 17:00

Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00

Wednesday 09:00 - 19:00

Thursday 09:00 - 17:00

Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Saturday 09:00 - 13:00

Contact us

IF you'd like to find out more about how we can help you, please do get in touch.

Phone: 01744 410752

Email: [email protected]

Families email: [email protected]

Follow us on social media to see what we're up to in the service and in the community.

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Integrated Recovery Service - St Helen's| Change Grow Live

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The way you get support from us might be different for a while, but we are still here. If you're worried about something, please get in touch. You can contact us on 01744 410752 or email us on [email protected] . Our hub is open from Monday to Friday between 9:00 and 17:00.

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Text 'Reach' to 85258 for free mental health support

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Cheshire and Merseyside Health Care Partnership has commissioned a 12 month pilot of the shout text service to offer free 24/7 access to mental health support, advice and signposting.

Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

Since their launch in May 2019 they have had more than 500,000 conversations with people who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need immediate support. As a digital service, Shout has become increasingly critical since Covid-19, being one of the few mental health support services able to operate as normal at this time.

Mid Mersey Division of Mersey Care who provide services across St Helens have worked with shout and should anyone across the borough need support they can text REACH to 85258.

This text service is available to children, young people and adults living within the borough.

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Shout - mental health text support service

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Cheshire and Merseyside Health Care Partnership has commissioned a 12 month pilot of the shout text service to offer free 24/7 access to mental health support, advice and signposting. Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

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St Helens Group - 'Himvisible'
https://www.himvisible.co.uk/who-we-are

Rugby League Cares - 'Offload' Programme
https://www.rugbyleaguecares.org/offload/what-is-offload/

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We deliver in Rugby League communities across the North in partnership with club foundations at Bradford Bulls, Halifax Panthers, Huddersfield Giants, Featherstone Rovers, Leeds Rhinos, Salford Red Devils, St Helens, Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors.

We also provide UK-wide support by working with businesses who are looking to provide the benefits of Offload to their workforce.

Offload is helping challenge how the sporting world tackles issues such as depression and anxiety and has already received widespread acclaim for its work with thousands of men.

It is open to all men aged 16 and over. Men meet and talk with current and former professional players to learn techniques they use to manage their own mental and physical fitness.

Over the course of the 10-week 'season of fixtures', men build their own mental fitness, whilst having fun, in a relaxed atmosphere and develop coping strategies to challenge difficult situations and learn how to recognise when people close to them may need their support.

You don't need to be a Rugby League fan - or even a sports fan! - to take part and benefit from Offload. Even though our presenters are mainly retired or current Rugby League players, they share stories from their personal lives as well as sporting careers to bring real experiences to important topics. They give men genuine real-life examples that they can relate to and learn from.

Offload is supported through funding from various partners in different areas including; the National Lottery Community Fund, Leeds Hospitals Charities, Livewell Wakefield, Public Health England, West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership, and local suicide prevention networks.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.

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We deliver in Rugby League communities across the North in partnership with club foundations at Bradford Bulls, Halifax Panthers, Huddersfield Giants, Featherstone Rovers, Leeds Rhinos, Salford Red Devils, St Helens, Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors. We also provide UK-wide support by working with businesses who are looking to provide the benefits of Offload to their workforce.

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Your health visitor will be in contact with you just before or as soon as baby arrives, and they are you first point of contact for any concerns around postnatal recovery and baby's development. Parents in Mind offer six weekly ' HV Q&A Sessions' with our local health visitors, to help answer questions you may have, but you can also contact them directly. There are no silly questions!

St Helens Teams
North: 01744 624 313 or wchc.mossbankhealthvisitors@nhs.net

South: 01744 624 925 or
wchc.southteam0-5@nhs.net

Newton and Haydock: 01744 624 321 or wchc.newtonhaydock0-19team@nhs.net

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Free to download, easy to navigate parenting app.

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Baby Buddy 2.0 is launched - here is what parents have to say

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DadPad - NHS Approved Support Guide For Dads

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DadPad - NHS Approved Support Guide For Dads

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Practical information to support with caring for a new baby
*there is now a £12 charge for this manual, which is posted out to you*
https://thedadpad.co.uk/

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I was a bit scared when we found out we were having a baby, obviously happy, but a bit scared and in the beginning I was a bit clueless. The child development part is my favourite bit, but there's things in there, like things about mental health, that I didn't know about and that I didn't know you needed to know about.

Ross, 22

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DadPad | The Essential Guide for New Dads | Support Guide for New Dads

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Developed with the NHS, DadPad gives new dads and dads-to-be the knowledge and skills needed to gain confidence and give their baby the best start in life.

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For grandparents/aunties/uncles/wider family or friends raising a baby

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Advice, information and peer support for those caring full time with a child who has been removed from their parent.

https://kinship.org.uk/for-kinship-carers/

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Find out about what kinship care is and what type of kinship carer you are.

We have lots of information on the most frequently asked questions.

We can advise anyone who is caring for a relative or friend's child full time, and anyone thinking about becoming a kinship carer.

Get support on becoming a kinship carer, applying for grants, legal options and much more.

There are many ways to connect with other kinship carers, both remotely and in person.

All the latest information, advice and guidance on COVID-19 for kinship carers.

Find help

Whether you're a family member or friend, taking on care of a child is always complicated, and it's likely that you'll need independent advice at some stage of the process.

The first thing to remember is that you're not alone. Our advice service is here for you if you want to email, call or connect with them on Facebook and they regularly update the website with vital information and advice.

Join our kinship community to hear stories, news and special offers from our partners as well as new services, support groups and other events. You can also get involved in helping us to campaign for recognition and a fairer deal for kinship carers.

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For kinship carers - Kinship - The kinship care charity

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Find out about what kinship care is and what type of kinship carer you are. We have lots of information on the most frequently asked questions. We can advise anyone who is caring for a relative or friend's child full time, and anyone thinking about becoming a kinship carer.

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Proud 2 B Parents - LGBT+ Parental Support

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Proud 2 B Parents - LGBT+ Parental Support

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Proud 2 B Parent is run by, and delivers services to LGBT+ parents and carers. They host regular chances to connect, socialise and feel supported at face-to-face drop ins and online meet ups.

https://www.proud2bparents.co.uk/

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Proud 2 b Parents is an inclusive organisation for all routes to parenthood. We are run by and deliver services for LGBT+ parents/ carers to be , LGBT+ parents/ carers and their children living in Greater Manchester.

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Clinical support for anxiety, depression and trauma

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Self-refer to Think Wellbeing for mild-moderate mental health difficulties. All parents with an unborn child/baby under two are prioritised for support.

For St Helens, go to https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/think-wellbeing

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https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSLbplxdma3BOfz50dY3psw9IDDa0e35n

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The Maternity Voice Partnership (MVP) are keen to hear about your birthing experience (the good and the bad) in a supportive, validating environment, to help will inform future care and practice.
For Whiston hospital births, or home births in St Helens, contact Alison on sthelensmvp@gmail.com
For Warrington hospital, or home births in Halton or Warrington, contact Lisa on hello@whhmaternityvoices.org.uk

For more info (what is the MVP? how can it support me? why should you get involved?), see the clip below
https://youtu.be/EiyPcZhNs_k

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St Helens & Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust:
Our Services and Wards (sthk.nhs.uk)

Women who are less than 13 weeks gestation who have any concerns with regards to bleeding should contact the Buchanan Suite on 0151 430 1737.

Maternity Triage 0151 2904489

Warrington & Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust:
Maternity Services :: Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Trust (whh.nhs.uk)

Booking Line 01925 662092 between Monday - Friday, 9:00am and 5:00pm

Triage Assessment 01925 275200

Labour ward 01925 662334

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust:
Maternity Services | Countess of Chester Hospital (coch.nhs.uk)

Booking line 01244 363487

Community office 01244 365166

Labour ward 01244 365028

Antenatal Clinic 01244 365106

Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust:
Maternity - Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust

Booking Line  0151 702 4328

MAU 0151 702 4413

Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust:
Maternity - Southport & Ormskirk Hospital - Southport & Ormskirk Hospital (southportandormskirk.nhs.uk)

Booking Line 01695 656924

Early Pregnancy Unit 01695 656064 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

G Ward (emergency gynaecology problems or early pregnancy out of hours) 01695 656901

16-weeks pregnant or over maternity triage 01695 656604 (24 hours)