Decision

To embed the Dads Matters model for a 2 year pilot across Barnsley. We are comissioning Wakefield Homestart to host a Dads Coordinator role in line with the above evidence based model to support dads and co partners perinatal mental health, and parent infant relationships across the borough. This contract will value at £95,354.00 in total.

Reasons for the decision

Barnsley currently has no pathway for supporting dads and co parents during the perinatal period. To meet actions required as part of The Department for Education Start for Life workstreams, we are focusing on providing perinatal mental health and parent infant relationship support to dads and co partners locally.  This evidence based scheme was scoped and approved through the Perinatal Mental Health Working Group and taken to the Start for life Implementation Group for information.

Alternative options considered

Alternative evidence based models in scope were considered, but not deemed fit for purpose due to online only provision being provided. Dads matters as above provides face to face and online support collectively.