NEW fathers in NSW will benefit from new health and mental health checks thanks to a $1 million donation from the NSW Government to men’s health charity Movember.
The funding will allow NSW Health to partner with Movember to pilot health and wellbeing checks for new and expecting dads.
The initiative will focus on the father’s health and wellbeing, including their mental health.
“Becoming a dad is an incredible, life-changing experience – but it can also be challenging,” said the Minister for Health, Ryan Park.
This will provide an opportunity to discuss overall mental wellbeing, identify any support needs, and connect fathers with relevant services, information, and resources where appropriate.
“It’s not always easy for men to put their hand up and say they need help, and this pilot program aims to make that a little easier,” Mr Park said.
Depression affects one in 10 dads between the first trimester and the year after the baby’s birth.
“These early checks will mean that we can deliver extra support for dads who need it, sooner.”
Anxiety conditions affect one in six dads during pregnancy and one in five in the postnatal period.
Men involved in the pilot program will receive a resource pack with advice on available community resources, including how to seek mental health support.
“We want to support dads to be the best version of themselves, not just for them but also for their families,” the Minister said.
NSW Health delivers universal psychosocial screening for new mothers through Safe Start to identify mental health and psychosocial risks early in the perinatal period.
The pilot program builds on the Government’s $112.3 million to boost mental health care in the 2025-26 Budget, to ensure mental health support remains accessible and affordable. It includes:
– $43.3 million over four years for Lifeline to deliver its 13 11 14 crisis telephone line, as well as text and webchat services.
– $64.8 million to extend services under the NSW-Commonwealth Government National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement.
– $4.3 million to support mental health peak bodies.
Further information on mental health supports for new or expecting parents can be found on the NSW Health website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/services/parents/dads/Pages/default.aspx
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