NSW Launches Health and Wellbeing Pilot Program for New Dads
- New and expecting fathers across New South Wales will soon receive dedicated health and mental health checks, backed by a $1 million state government investment delivered through men’s...
- The Minns Labor Government initiative provides $1 million to Movember to fund the pilot program, according to state announcements.
- According to NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park, becoming a dad brings life-changing experiences alongside significant challenges.
New and expecting fathers across New South Wales will soon receive dedicated health and mental health checks, backed by a $1 million state government investment delivered through men’s health charity Movember, according to official announcements. NSW Health will partner with Movember to pilot the wellbeing checks, which target mental health risks that affect up to one in five men during the perinatal period.
Funding Details and Mental Health Support Scope
The Minns Labor Government initiative provides $1 million to Movember to fund the pilot program, according to state announcements. The scheme aims to address statistical gaps in perinatal mental health care by screening new and expecting fathers for depression and anxiety.
Data cited by NSW Health shows that depression affects one in ten dads between the first trimester and the year after a baby’s birth. Meanwhile, anxiety conditions affect one in six dads during pregnancy and one in five during the postnatal period.
Men participating in the pilot will receive a resource pack containing guidance on community resources and instructions on how to access mental health support. The initiative aligns with the government’s existing Safe Start framework, which delivers universal psychosocial screening for new mothers.
Integration Into Existing Perinatal Pathways
According to NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park, becoming a dad brings life-changing experiences alongside significant challenges.
Because men often find it challenging to admit they require assistance, this trial initiative is designed to simplify that process. These early assessments mean we can provide faster additional care to fathers who require it.
Safeguarding the psychological well-being of fathers benefits the entire household, not just the dads themselves. By reaching out to fathers at a crucial juncture, this trial ensures they are aware of available resources should the need arise.
As a new dad, I’ve seen first hand the incredible care provided to my son, Leo, as well as his incredible mum Kate – right throughout her pregnancy and following the birth – but at no stage did any one check in on me. Fathers across the nation frequently share this exact experience, representing a shortfall that the NSW Government intends to address through this pioneering financial commitment toward paternal mental well-being.
Broader Mental Health Budget Context
The pilot builds upon the broader $112.3 million mental health care boost contained in the 2025–26 NSW Budget. That broader funding package includes $43.3 million over four years allocated to Lifeline for 13 11 14 crisis telephone lines, text services, and webchat offerings. An additional $64.8 million extends services under the NSW-Commonwealth Government National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, alongside $4.3 million dedicated to mental health peak bodies.
Parents seeking immediate guidance can access resources via the NSW Health website under the perinatal mental health section.
