Second, I have to admit I’m impressed you got a response from a minister/her team that actually responded to your details.
Thirdly, though you are right I think to feel disapppointed, I’ll throw in my 2 pence thoughts here to try and allay your disappointment. From where I sit, as a designer falling into health policy and innovation… the Govt is slow as treacle to adopt ANY recommendations on ANYTHING. And if it does, it’s supplied by the many many specialised think tanks that literally make it their industry to supply left/right wing Govts with recommendations. It’s the highly organised and relentless grassroots campaigners (think Pregnant Then Screwed) who toil for years to move the needle.
In short, please don’t be disheartened. I think you are now on their radar, and linking up with others (see comment below) is smart. I think the whole community would be behind you to do more if you wanted.
Kevin… first of all, kudos.
Second, I have to admit I’m impressed you got a response from a minister/her team that actually responded to your details.
Thirdly, though you are right I think to feel disapppointed, I’ll throw in my 2 pence thoughts here to try and allay your disappointment. From where I sit, as a designer falling into health policy and innovation… the Govt is slow as treacle to adopt ANY recommendations on ANYTHING. And if it does, it’s supplied by the many many specialised think tanks that literally make it their industry to supply left/right wing Govts with recommendations. It’s the highly organised and relentless grassroots campaigners (think Pregnant Then Screwed) who toil for years to move the needle.
In short, please don’t be disheartened. I think you are now on their radar, and linking up with others (see comment below) is smart. I think the whole community would be behind you to do more if you wanted.
Will follow with a DM with some other thoughts
Thanks for sharing this very personal story.
Have you been in touch with Mark Williams? https://www.markwilliamsfmh.co.uk
Seems to be one of UK'S most prominent dad mental health campaigner.
He published a report a year ago on perinatal mental health for dads.
https://www.pmhtraining.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/MARK_WILLIAMS_FATHERS_REACHING_OUT_PMH_REPORT10_SEP_2020-2.pdf
Long read but huge inspiration for Dadditude.