Dad Matters Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre

10/08/2026

Limited tickets remaining! 🚨

If you've been thinking about joining us... now is the time to book!

An Evening with John Gillan promises to be one of the most entertaining nights of the summer, with hilarious comedy, incredible live music, special guest singers, a delicious pie & pea supper, raffle, auction and so much more.

Gather your friends, family or work colleagues and enjoy a fantastic evening while helping local families across Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre.

💜 Every ticket sold helps Home-Start continue supporting families with young children through some of life's toughest times.

📅 Thursday 20th August
🕖 7.00pm
📍 The Grand Hotel, Blackpool
🎟 £20 per ticket

⚠️ Spaces are now limited, so don't leave it too late!

🎫 Book now:
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GRLN

Please help us spread the word by liking, sharing and tagging the people you'd love to bring along. Let's make this an unforgettable evening,for everyone in the room and for the families your support will help. 💜🧡

04/08/2026

Play = Brain building. And dads, you're the architects! 🧠🎉
It’s National Play Day this Wednesday (5th August), and this year’s theme is "Play – here, there, everywhere". Play isn't just fun—it's how little ones wire their brains for life.
Why it's vital for brain development:
· Builds problem-solving and critical thinking
· Sparks creativity and imagination
· Teaches emotional regulation, turn-taking, and empathy
Dads, your impact is huge. When you get down on the floor and play, you're not just making memories, you're boosting their confidence, showing them they matter, and strengthening your bond for life.
Top tips for playtime:
· Let them lead – Child-led play builds their decision-making skills.
· Ditch the screens – Distraction-free time is quality time.
· Use everyday stuff – Cardboard boxes and wooden spoons often beat expensive toys
To celebrate we will be joining Flying start families CIC and Little Superheroes at South Shore Methodist Church, Mayfield Avenue, on Wednesday 5th August 10am - 2pm for a National Play Day event.
(Booking available though little super hero's Blackpool)
https://little-superheroes-blackpool.classforkids.io/

04/08/2026

It’s National Breastfeeding Week!

We will joining in the breastfeeding celebrations at the North Hub, Di**le avenue on Wednesday 5th August. I will be there 1-3 pop in for a brew and say hello.

This week (1st–7th August) is all about supporting breastfeeding families. While mum does the feeding, your role as a dad is a game-changer. Research shows that involved dads significantly increase breastfeeding success rates.

Why it matters: Breastmilk protects babies against infections, reduces the risk of SIDS, and lowers childhood diabetes risks. For mums, it cuts the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

How you can be part of it?

· Be her cheerleader – Encouragement goes a long way when it’s tough.
· Take charge of the rest – Nappies, burping, and keeping her hydrated so she can focus.
· Shield her – Shut down unhelpful comments from others.
· Get skin-to-skin – Bond with baby between feeds; it calms them and boosts your connection.

National Breastfeeding Week
📅 Wednesday 5th August
🕐1-4
📍 North Hub, 31 Di**le Avenue, Blackpool (FY3 7NX)

This isn't our usual spot, it's a one-off chance to ask questions, share worries, or just have a brew with others. See you there!

31/07/2026

👣 Walk, talk, connect.

Are you a dad, stepdad, foster dad, grandad or male carer with a child aged 2 and under? Join us for a relaxed walk around Stanley Park where you can meet other dads, share experiences (or simply enjoy the fresh air!), and build new connections in a friendly, judgement-free environment. 💜

🗓️ Thursday 13th August
🕛 12:00pm – 2:00pm
📍 Meet outside the café at Stanley Park

Whether you chat the whole way or just come along for the walk, you'll be warmly welcomed.

✅ No booking required – just turn up!

For more information, call 01253 728615.

21/07/2026

Get your tickets for a great night out

🎭 BLACKPOOL—GET READY FOR A NIGHT LIKE NO OTHER! 🎶😂

Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music, powerful vocals, comedy and plenty of unexpected twists, featuring the brilliantly entertaining John Gillan and two special guest singers.

Expect big voices, huge laughs and a fantastic atmosphere, all while helping Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre support local families with young children through difficult times. 💜🧡

Thursday 20th August
7pm start
The Grand Hotel, Blackpool
£20, including pie & pea supper
🔞 Over 18s only

Grab your friends, colleagues or family and make it a night out to remember!

🎫 Book now:
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GRLN

Proudly sponsored by Be Inspired Magazine.

17/07/2026

Dads, you're invited! 👋
Join our Walk & Talk for Dads at Fairhaven Lake for a relaxed walk, friendly conversation, and the chance to connect with other dads and male carers of children aged 2 and under. 💙

No booking needed—just turn up and enjoy some fresh air and good company. 🚶☕

06/07/2026

📢 Dads – we need your voice.

Too often, research about babies and young children is shaped without hearing from fathers. Here's your chance to help change that.

The Developing Child UK Priority Setting Partnership, run with the James Lind Alliance, is asking parents, carers and professionals to decide which research questions should be prioritised for babies' and children's social and emotional wellbeing, from pregnancy until they start school.

A previous survey identified 17 key research questions. Now they're asking people like you to help choose the Top 10 that should shape future research.

It only takes around 15 minutes to complete.

If you're a dad, your experiences and perspective matter. Whether you're expecting a baby, parenting a toddler, or supporting young children through your work, please take a few minutes to have your say.

Complete the survey here: https://lnkd.in/epCeNjuy

Find out more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/e3ymqdKs

Support is also available through the above link if you need help completing the survey.

Please share this with other dads and families so as many father voices as possible are heard.

02/07/2026

Is this the opportunity you've been looking for? If you have a few hours to spare each week and want to help give a child the best possible start in life, get in touch today.

Our next Home-Start Volunteer Preparation Course is confirmed!! We are so excited to meet our new volunteers who will be supporting families across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.
📅 Starts: Thursday 23rd July
📍 Location: Booth St Annes
⏰ Duration: 9.30am - 2.30pm each Thursday for 6 weeks
During the course, you'll learn about:
👶 Child development
🏡 Working with families
🛡️ Safeguarding children and adults
💬 Listening and communication skills
🤝 The role of a Home-Start volunteer
❤️ Building confidence to support local families

Can you help and change a child's future? As you can see from below Voluntering is rewarding and you can see a realchange in families.

Please get in touch if you would like to join us! 01253 728615

29/06/2026

💙 Parenting can sometimes feel lonely.

The latest Home-Start report shows that almost half of parents with young children experience loneliness or isolation.

Here in Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre, we see this every day. Behind closed doors are parents doing their very best, often without the support network they need.

No family should have to struggle alone.

If you or someone you know could benefit from a little extra support, we're here to help.
https://homestartbfw.org.uk/

01/04/2026

Eric has now retired from his post as Dad Matters Coordinator, we would like to thank him for all his hard work with Dad Matters. You were part of an amazing team and will be missed. Good look for the furture and all the new adventures that you have lined up.