MENSCAPE Fatherhood & Parenting Programme

Specialist Parenting Support for Men and Fathers

The MENSCAPE Fatherhood & Parenting Programme is a structured, male-focused parenting intervention designed to support fathers to build strong, emotionally secure relationships with their children.

Most parenting services are not designed with men in mind. MENSCAPE recognises that fathers often experience unique pressures, barriers to help-seeking, and limited opportunities to explore parenting in a space that feels safe, relevant, and non-judgemental.

This programme provides fathers with the tools, confidence, and emotional skills needed to parent calmly, consistently, and with intention—supporting healthier families and better outcomes for children.

Who the Programme Is For?

The programme is suitable for:

  • Fathers and expectant fathers

  • Young fathers

  • Fathers experiencing stress, anger, or emotional overwhelm

  • Men navigating separation, co-parenting, or blended families

  • Fathers referred via Early Help, CAMHS, social care, schools, or self-referral

The programme is inclusive of diverse family structures, cultural identities, and lived experiences.

What the Programme Offers

A Safe, Male-Focused Space

MENSCAPE provides a male-only environment where fathers can speak openly about:

  • Parenting challenges

  • Emotional struggles

  • Identity, pressure, and responsibility

  • Relationships with children and partners

This reduces shame, defensiveness, and disengagement—common barriers for men accessing parenting support.

Practical Parenting Skills

Fathers develop practical tools to:

  • Understand children’s behaviour

  • Set clear, calm boundaries

  • Respond rather than react

  • Build trust and emotional connection

Emotional Regulation & Self-Awareness

The programme supports fathers to:

  • Manage anger, frustration, and stress

  • Recognise emotional triggers

  • Model healthy emotional expression for children

Stronger Relationships

Fathers are supported to:

  • Strengthen attachment with their children

  • Repair relationships after conflict

  • Improve co-parenting communication

Key Themes Covered

  • What kind of father do I want to be?

  • Understanding children’s behaviour and emotions

  • Managing anger, stress, and overwhelm

  • Building connection and emotional safety

  • Co-parenting and managing conflict

  • Breaking intergenerational patterns

  • Balancing work, pressure, and family life

  • Moving forward with confidence

Programme Structure

  • Format: Group-based (male-only) or 1:1 delivery

  • Length: Typically 6–8 weekly sessions

  • Session length: 60 minutes 1:1 session / 90 minutes group session

  • Delivery: In-person or online

  • Facilitators: Male-informed practitioners trained in counselling, group work, and safeguarding

Alignment with Early Help, Safeguarding & CAMHS

Early Help (0–19 / Family Hubs)

The MENSCAPE Fatherhood Programme supports early intervention and prevention, helping families before difficulties escalate.

It contributes to Early Help outcomes by:

  • Strengthening parental capacity

  • Reducing family conflict

  • Improving emotional availability of fathers

  • Supporting stable, nurturing home environments

The programme is suitable for Universal Plus and Targeted Early Help, including step-down support from statutory services.

MENSCAPE complements CAMHS pathways by addressing parental factors known to impact child mental health, including:

  • Emotional dysregulation

  • High stress and conflict

  • Inconsistent or punitive parenting

The programme supports:

  • CAMHS early intervention and prevention

  • Whole-family and systemic approaches

  • Step-down support following child-focused work

By supporting fathers directly, MENSCAPE helps reduce repeat referrals driven by unresolved family stressors.

Outcomes

Fathers who complete the programme typically report:

  • Increased confidence and clarity in their parenting role

  • Improved emotional regulation

  • Stronger relationships with their children

  • Reduced conflict within the family

  • Greater engagement with support services

Referral Pathways

Referrals can be made via:

  • Self-referral

  • Early Help / Family Hubs

  • CAMHS

  • Social care

  • Schools and education services

  • Voluntary and community organisations