Football sessions for dads launch in Dagenham to tackle paternal depression

Becontree Heath Leisure Centre is running the sessions in collaboration with Havering MIND to offer dads with children under three years a safe space to talk about their experiences and issues whilst playing a game of football.

The new initiative acts as part of Havering MIND’s ‘Dads in Mind’ project, established to help empower fathers in the early stages of parenting, focusing on those with a child under three years old – known as the perinatal stage.

Andre Daffus, who heads the Dads in Mind project throughout Barking and Dagenham, originally proposed the idea, and explains the need for such sessions.

He says: “I wanted to launch the football sessions as a way for men to talk – we debate over whose teams are better in the premiership, so why not have a kickaround whilst discussing real-life issues?

“It’s not well known that many new dads suffer from depression in the first three years of a child’s life, whether this is financially or due to the pressure of trying to be a good parent and living up to the father figure. Even before a child is born, we face anxiety, which can lead to the development of panic disorders.

“The goal of these sessions is to help local dads to know they’re not alone. They will act as a safe space to talk and discover new techniques of coping with stress and anxiety whilst learning that a problem shared is a problem halved.

“All attendees of the group will be navigating the beginning stages of parenthood, and sharing their experiences will help them feel supported and help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression.”

Becontree Heath Leisure Centre, managed by Everyone Active in partnership with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, launched the initiative on July 22 and will continue to run the sessions throughout August.

Funded by Havering MIND, the sessions originally received enough funding to run for one month. However, due to the programme’s early success, the centre is currently looking to secure further funding to run the sessions on a regular basis throughout the next six months.

Hasan Romel, area contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Havering MIND for these sessions and are excited to see the profound impact they will have on the mental wellbeing of local dads new to parenthood.

“The football sessions are a fantastic opportunity for dads of young children to take care of their mental health whilst engaging in a much-loved sport. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking to dust off your football boots, we encourage you to come along, have a chat and enjoy a friendly game with likeminded dads.”

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