New and expecting fathers in NSW will be offered dedicated health and wellbeing checks under a new pilot program backed by $1 million in funding from the NSW Government.
NSW Health will partner with men’s health charity Movember to trial the checks, which will focus on fathers’ physical and mental wellbeing during pregnancy and the period following a baby’s birth.
The program is intended to give fathers an opportunity to discuss their mental health, identify any support they may need and receive information about relevant services and community resources.
The NSW Government says depression affects about one in 10 fathers between the first trimester of pregnancy and the first year after a child’s birth. Anxiety conditions affect about one in six fathers during pregnancy and one in five during the postnatal period.
Men participating in the pilot will receive a resource pack containing information about community services and guidance on seeking mental health support.
The initiative will build on existing support available to new mothers. NSW Health currently provides universal psychosocial screening for new mothers through its Safe Start program, which is designed to identify mental health and other psychosocial risks during the perinatal period.
Health Minister Ryan Park said becoming a father could bring major changes and challenges, while acknowledging that some men may find it difficult to ask for support.
The government says bringing health and wellbeing checks into existing perinatal care could provide an earlier opportunity to identify concerns and connect fathers with appropriate services.
Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said the arrival of a baby could be overwhelming for some parents and that supporting fathers could benefit families as a whole.
“This pilot will connect with dads at a critical moment to ensure they know what supports are available should they need them,” Jackson said.
The pilot forms part of the NSW Government’s broader investment in mental health services. The government allocated $112.3 million to boost mental health care in its 2025-26 Budget.
That funding includes $43.3 million over four years for Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis telephone service, along with its text and webchat services. A further $64.8 million will extend services under the NSW-Commonwealth Government National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, while $4.3 million will support mental health peak bodies.
Movember Director of Policy and Advocacy Jeremy Phillips-Yelland, who is also a new father, said his experience had highlighted what he described as a gap in support for fathers during pregnancy and after childbirth.
He said the arrival of his son had brought joy alongside changes including less sleep, greater stress and feelings of isolation, and argued that routine health and wellbeing checks could make it easier for fathers to access support.
Movember Research Fellow in Men’s Health and Relationships Dr Michael Wilson said new fathers could sometimes hesitate to seek help because they felt attention should remain focused on their partner or baby.
The pilot will examine how dedicated support for fathers can be incorporated into antenatal and child and family health services, which traditionally focus heavily on the health of mothers and babies.
The initiative will also provide an opportunity to assess how effective and practical regular checks for fathers are within existing perinatal health services.
For parents seeking information about mental health support for new or expecting fathers, NSW Health provides resources and details of available services.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
