A Norfolk council about to make £52m worth of cuts has just launched a new scheme offering grants of up to £10,000 to look after the wellbeing of new fathers.
The Norfolk County Council project has been welcomed by campaigners who say some parents can find themselves overwhelmed after the birth of their children, leading to some fathers suffering in silence.
But critics may question the spending, which comes as the authority prepares to make £52m worth of cuts and savings, as well as put up council tax.
The hardest hit by the cuts are expected to be disabled people, who are going to have to pay more for their care. The council is also planning to close recycling centres one day a week and introduce booking slots for anyone wishing to visit.
The council, however, says the scheme, which will be run through its Start for Life and family hubs programme, is funded by central government.
It will make money available for charities, along with voluntary, community and social enterprise groups, which support new dads in their first 1,001 days of fatherhood.
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The grants, administered by Norfolk Community Foundation, can cover things such as developing social spaces and peer support networks, father-specific antenatal care groups and opportunities for fathers and their infants to take part in activities to strengthen their relationships.
Norfolk father Chris Samuels, a member of the Start for Life parent and carer panel, said: "This fund represents a great opportunity to engage dads both with and without their children.
"Too many fathers feel isolated or overwhelmed without a safe outlet or support network and far, far too many fathers suffer in silence.
"I really hope that projects supported by this fund can have a long-lasting impact on the wellbeing of dads across Norfolk."
READ MORE: One in 14 babies ‘raised by fathers’ – study
Penny Carpenter, the council's cabinet member for children’s services, said: "Becoming a parent comes with a lot of new responsibility, which can be a daunting prospect and something that takes a lot of adjusting to.
"In all the excitement of bringing a new baby home, fathers can sometimes get forgotten where needing support is concerned.
"Specific support for new dads is well overdue and these grants will help organisations support new and expectant fathers to feel empowered, informed and confident in their new role as dad, as well as connect them to others with shared experiences."
Applicants for the grants must be based or operating in Norwich, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Great Yarmouth, Broadland, Breckland, South Norfolk or North Norfolk.
Applications must be in by noon on Thursday (February 8), via www.norfolkfoundation.com/funding-support/grants/groups/wellbeing-support-for-new-fathers-and-fathers-to-be/
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