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Home – Our services – Maternity – Maternity Bereavement Service – Dads and partners

Dads and partners

A variety of bereavement support is available for dads and partners. Use the resources on this page to find something that works for you.

Here at South Tees, we know the loss of a baby is just as devastating and just as difficult for dads and partners.

How you express your grief can be influenced by how you deal with your emotions, the society you live in and the culture you are part of.

Many dads and partners tell us they feel society expects them to be the strong one, and this can be overwhelming.

In this with you

In the following video from Tommy’s, a dad explains how he coped after his baby died, and he shares his advice for other dads and partners:

There is no right or wrong way to grieve but it is important to find something that works for you.

There is bereavement support available specifically for dads and partners offered in a variety of ways. We have included some trusted resources below:

Aching Arms 

A baby loss charity ran by bereaved parents, they offer virtual support groups via zoom for Dads only. Send an email to the email address below to register for a Zoom link.

Andy’s Man Club 

Talking groups for men, offering peer to peer support in a non-judgemental environment, for any man aged over 18 years. There is no pressure to talk, men can attend the group, grab a brew, listen and see how it works. Clubs located across the UK. 

  • Middlesbrough club meets every Monday (except bank holidays) 7pm to 9pm at Old Fire Station, Town Hall, Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2QJ.
  • Hartlepool club meets every Monday (except bank holidays) 7pm to 9pm at Hartlepool United, Suit Direct Lounge (through the Executive entrance), Clarence Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8BZ
  • Stockton Club meets every Monday 7pm to 9pm at Redhill Family Hub, Redhill Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS19 9BX

At A Loss 

At a Loss is a website where you can search for national and local bereavement support services near you.

Charlie’s Child loss Charity

A community of bereaved dads who provide online, group and telephone support to other bereaved dads. Support can be access via their closed Facebook group Charlie’s Child Loss Charity.

Dads and Lads Network

Peer support offered to bereaved dads and men suffering from mental health issues. Private WhatsApp groups offer a safe and supportive space to talk.

Dad Still Standing

Established by two bereaved dads, they provide a safe space for other bereaved dads to turn to. Offers information via their website, social media and podcasts.

JOEL Dads

Providing a safe space for dads to meet others with similar experiences. JOEL Dads meet regularly throughout the year with a focus on physical health and well being. Support can be received from the JOEL Dads monthly online meeting or via the JOEL Dads private Facebook group, including news on events and meetings.

Miscarriage for Men 

A website dedicated to providing advice and support for dads, the website offers guidance, self-help techniques, forum, chat function, members only area and other helpful tools  

SANDS

Men only support groups offered through their social media channels. Online men only monthly zoom meetings available at Eventbrite.

Shoebox full of memories

A series of blogs, providing a father’s perspective of stillbirth, grief and parenting after a loss. The website also provides advice and resources.

StrongMen

Supporting men following the bereavement of a loved-one. They provide support through their podcasts, Man2Man telephone based peer support service and weekenders. Man2Man is a six-week telephone support service provided by trained StrongMen volunteers, all of whom have first-hand experience of losing a loved one.

The weekender retreat provides the opportunity for men to relax and enjoy beautiful remote surroundings whilst engaging in conversation and physical activities in a safe, secure environment with other men with shared experiences. This video contains information about the Snowdon weekender retreat from 2022.