Dad Matters - Powered by Home-Start Surrey

Make a difference for dads, babies and families in your community.

Dads matter – but too often they feel left out or overlooked in the perinatal period. By volunteering with Dad Matters, you can help us change that.

Whether you’re a dad yourself, have lived experience, or simply want to support others, your time and presence can make a powerful difference. Our volunteers help dads feel listened to, supported and more confident in their role – which supports healthier outcomes for babies and families.

This role is flexible and can fit around your schedule, with as little as 2 hours a month making an impact.

“Volunteering gave me a way to give something back – and help other dads the way Dad Matters helped me”

Dad Matters volunteer

Dad Chat Volunteer in Hospitals

Spend time chatting with new and expectant dads in hospital, often in the Scan Clinic. You’ll help dads feel acknowledged and informed, give them space to ask questions, and let them know about the support available through Dad Matters and other local services.

We provide full training for all volunteers, including:

• Safeguarding.
• Perinatal mental health awareness.
• Signposting and support networks.
• Supported by a dedicated Dad Matters Coordinator throughout your volunteering experience.

What you’ll get as a Dad Matters Volunteer:

• A chance to make a real difference for dads, babies, and families in your community.
• Training and ongoing support to help you feel confident in your role.
• Experience in supporting parents and families — great for personal or professional development.
• The satisfaction of knowing your time and energy are helping dads be there for their babies.

Our vision is to positively impact the lives of every family welcoming a new baby in Surrey, by ensuring dads are supported, informed and valued.

Dad Matters Surrey, delivered by Home-Start Surrey, supports fathers during pregnancy and the first two years of parenthood to improve paternal wellbeing, strengthen family relationships and promote positive outcomes for babies and families. Working in partnership across Surrey we engage fathers through hospital outreach, peer support, workshops and one-to-one support, helping to address the growing need for dedicated support for dads who can often feel excluded from perinatal services.

Our support for dads includes:

• Engaging expectant fathers in hospital scan clinics across Surrey, providing early information, reassurance, and access to support during pregnancy.
• Delivering Dads & Tots sessions, creating opportunities for fathers to build peer networks, reduce isolation, and strengthen relationships with their children.
• Facilitating The New Dad Workshop, equipping expectant fathers with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to prepare for parenthood.
• Engaging fathers and families through community-based groups, events, and outreach activities, helping to increase awareness of available support and services.
• Providing targeted one-to-one support for fathers facing additional challenges, helping to improve wellbeing and strengthen family relationships.