On World Mental Health Day, Derby County Community Trust are delighted to be releasing a new podcast series, focussing on promoting a wider conversation around dad’s mental health.

'Dad's Space Connects With...' is an exciting project that forms part of the programmes we deliver around the subject.

We currently have ‘Dad’s Space’ sessions, which provides a safe space to socialise and discuss experiences of fatherhood. 

As well as having the opportunity to socialise, Connected Perinatal Support who we are partnered with to deliver the sessions, are there to discuss the pregnancy and the help that they can provide throughout the process. Perinatal Support are also supporting the work behind the podcast.

‘’It aims to tackle the stigma looming around not only men talking about their mental health but also dad’s that feel they are suffering alone. We want to break down the walls standing around those that feel isolated and shine a new light on fathers that just want a space where they feel heard and recognised’’.  Shelly McBride, Perinatal Support | Manager and Programme Director 

Our new podcast will have in-depth discussions about the mental wellbeing for fathers or fathers-to-be. Voices heard includes Derby staff Lucas Carter and Luke Wilkinson as well as host Shaun Barker – a former Derby County player and a familiar face with RamsTV. Shaun is a dad himself and talks about his personal stories.

 ‘We felt World Mental Health Day was the perfect opportunity to bring the work we do behind scenes, bring to the forefront and showcase the excellent progress already achieved by dad’s space. It’s a unique opportunity to partner with the football club and record these podcasts. We really hope the listeners enjoy it, and it shows Dads, males and others that the support network is out there.''  Luke Wilkinson, Health Team Leader | Derby County Community Trust 

The first episode is available now! Click HERE to listen.

If you want to be involved in the Dad’s Space sessions, you can visit our webpage dedicated to the programme HERE.