Being a dad doesn’t come with a manual. Sometimes you just need someone to talk to, or to know where to turn. Here’s every number and organisation we trust — grouped by what you’re dealing with, so you can find it fast.
If you need help right now
If you or someone else is in danger, don’t wait — use one of these.
- 999 — Emergency services. Any time life is at risk. Available 24/7.
- NHS 111 — NHS non-emergency help; select the mental health option if needed. Phone: 111. Available 24/7.
- Police 101 — Police non-emergency. Phone: 101. Available 24/7.
- Samaritans — You don’t have to be suicidal to call — just struggling and need to talk. Phone: 116 123 (free). Available 24/7, phone and email.
- SHOUT — For when talking on the phone isn’t an option. Text: SHOUT to 85258 (free). Available 24/7.
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) — Built specifically for men in crisis. Phone: 0800 585858 (webchat also available). Open 5pm–midnight, every day.
Dad-specific support
Most support services weren’t built with dads in mind. These were.
- Fathers Reaching Out (FMCH-UK) — Struggling emotionally during pregnancy, after the birth, or with a difficult birth experience. Helpline, WhatsApp and email — including volunteers who’ve been through it themselves. Open 8am–10pm, every day.
- Andy’s Man Club — Free peer support groups, in person, every Monday evening, 7pm, at 320+ UK venues. No referral, no signup — just turn up. Open to any man 18+.
- Parents 1st — The Other Half Hub — For when fatherhood feels isolating or overwhelming. Resource hub and peer support directory for dads and partners. Online only — no phone line.
Parenting & child behaviour
- Coram Family Lives (formerly Parentline) — Any parenting worry: behaviour, teens, stepfamilies, additional needs. Phone: 0808 800 2222 (free). WhatsApp: 07441 444125 (live chat + email also available). Mon–Fri 9am–9pm, weekends 10am–3pm.
- YoungMinds Parents Helpline — Specifically your child’s mental health or wellbeing. Phone: 0808 802 5544 (free). Mon, Thu, Fri 9.30am–4pm; Tue, Wed 9.30am–6pm.
Relationships, separation & family law
- Families Need Fathers — Denied contact with your child, or navigating family court. Phone: 0300 0300 363. Open 24/7, with specialist advisers 6–10pm Mon–Fri; ~50 UK branches.
- Relate — Relationship counselling before things reach breaking point. Use their branch finder to book locally — no single national phone line.
- Citizens Advice — Free, independent legal information on child arrangements, benefits and rights. Also by phone or at a local bureau — check the website for your nearest one and current opening hours.
Work & paternity rights
- Acas — Employer refusing or mishandling paternity/shared parental leave. Phone: 0300 123 1100 (free). Mon–Fri 8am–6pm.
- Maternity Action — Rights around antenatal appointments, paternity leave, workplace discrimination. Phone: 0808 802 0029 (free). Weekdays except Wednesday, 10am–12pm.
Money & benefits
- Turn2us — Not sure what you’re entitled to. Free benefits calculator and grant search — online only, no phone line.
- Child Maintenance Service — Setting up or managing child maintenance after separation. Phone: 0800 171 2345 (free). Mon–Fri 8am–6pm.
Addiction
- NACOA — Free, confidential support if your child is affected by a parent’s drinking — yours or your partner’s. Phone: 0800 358 3456 (free). Email: helpline@nacoa.org.uk. Mon–Sat 10am–7pm (phone), 10am–9pm (email).
Bereavement
- Acas — parental bereavement leave & pay — Understand your legal rights at work if you’ve lost a child. Phone: 0300 123 1100. Mon–Fri 8am–6pm.
This page is a curated directory, not a substitute for professional advice. We’ve checked every number and website listed, but details can change — always confirm directly with the organisation. Last reviewed: 08/09/26.