Northumberland County Council’s ‘Dads Matter’ summit takes place today to highlight the important role that dads and male carers play in giving children the best start in life.  
 

The event will hear from a range of inspirational guest speakers, as well as fathers and male carers, and will aim to spark conversations around how professionals across education, health and social care can make their services as inclusive as possible. 
 

A main focus will be on mental health and wellbeing and ensuring dads and male carers can feel supported in their roles.  
 

It’s being funded through Northumberland's Family Hubs programme. Family hubs bring together different services in a ‘one-stop-shop’ to make it easier to get the help you and your family need. 
 

As well as the network of hubs across the county there is a new website offering online advice and resources too, including a wide range of digital courses.  
 

Northumberland is one of 14 trailblazer local authorities chosen by the Government to drive the programme forward.  
 

Since their launch last year, Family Hubs have introduced a range of support tailored to dads including the DadPad parenting guide, DADTALK Online Workshops and What’s the Craic – a partnership with Northumberland Recovery College that offers the chance for some child-free space and some time to relax and socialise.  
 

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet member with responsibility for Inspiring Young People, said: “We have a strong community of dads and male carers actively participating in our family hubs sessions and events which aim to support all parents and carers on their journey through parenthood. 
 

“But we want to make sure our services are meeting the needs of as many people as possible and that’s why we’re investing some of our trailblazer funding into specific support for dads and male carers. 
 

"As well as the DadPad, which is a parenting resource specially for dads – we've introduced support groups where dads and male carers can just drop in, in-person or online, to talk to others, gain advice and share experiences. 
 

“The feedback has been really positive so far – but we want to build on that and to hear from as many families as possible what support they would like to see in the future.  
 

“This summit today is about celebrating the impact positive male role models have on children and families – and also about sparking conversations as professionals in education, health social care – to see how we can make our services as inclusive as possible. 
 

“By doing this we can support families to build healthy and nurturing relationships which will enrich and enhance the lives of our children and young people.” 
 

Among the speakers at today's event will be:

Scott Mair, Founder of Fathers Beacon and Se7en Consultancy, Head of training and community Fathers Network Scotland and Lead Paternal Mental Health and Cultural awareness trainer.  

Doug Laidlaw, Regional Programme Manager, North East Young Dads and Lads (NEYDL). 

Michael Chapplow, Project Development Champion Andy’s Man Club (AMC).