Southampton City Council invites dads and male carers to share experiences at dedicated listening event

Southampton City Council is inviting dads and male carers from across the city to attend a special listening session aimed at improving and equalising support for fathers and male carers.

The male-only discussion event will take place next week and is designed to give men a safe and supportive space to speak openly about their experiences and help shape future family support services in the city.

Being a dad or male carer can be hugely rewarding, but it can also present challenges. Many men report finding it difficult to access the right support when they need it. The upcoming session aims to better understand these experiences and ensure that local services are more inclusive for fathers, stepdads, grandads, foster carers and other male carers.

Event details

The session will be held at Trago Lounge on Wednesday 18 March 2026, running from 6.30pm to 8pm. Attendance is limited to 30 participants, and booking is essential.

During the event, participants will have the opportunity to share feedback about the support they have received from services including midwifery teams, health professionals and Family Hubs. The insights gathered will help inform how services develop in the future so they better reflect the needs of male carers and the families they support.

Lesley Weeks, Children and Young People’s Programme Lead at Southampton City Council, said: “We know that many dads and male carers want to be involved but often feel unsure where they fit into services that have traditionally focused on mums. This event is about listening to what male carers tell us they need. Their insights will help us build support that feels relevant, accessible and genuinely useful for families across Southampton.”

Councillor Amanda Barnes-Andrews, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning at Southampton City Council, added: “Dads and male carers play a crucial role in family life, yet sometimes support is not designed with them in mind. By taking part in this session, we can help shape services that better reflect their experiences and strengthen the support available to all families in our city.”

Male carers from all backgrounds are encouraged to attend and contribute their perspectives to help co-design more effective and inclusive family support in Southampton.

Those who are unable to attend the session in person can still take part by arranging a one-to-one phone or WhatsApp conversation by contacting 07831 206736.

To find out more or book a free place at the event, email familyhub@southampton.gov.uk.