New Cross Party Group on Fathers’ Wellbeing and Family Resilience launched

Following the publication of our Manifesto: Strong Families, Strong Futures, we identified fathers’ wellbeing as one of four key areas where families, volunteers and partners told us greater policy attention is needed. Through conversations with families and engagement with Senedd candidates ahead of the 2026 election, we consistently heard about the lack of dedicated support for fathers and the impact this can have on family wellbeing, parental relationships and children’s outcomes.

In response, Home-Start Cymru has worked with Senedd Members from across the political spectrum to establish the new Cross-Party Group on Fathers’ Wellbeing and Family Resilience, for which we act as secretariat. The group brings together representatives from four political parties and provides a dedicated space for policymakers, practitioners, researchers and third sector organisations to explore the experiences of fathers, identify gaps in support and consider opportunities to strengthen policy and practice.

The group reflects our belief that supporting fathers is not a standalone issue but an important part of creating the conditions for strong families and positive outcomes for children. Discussions will examine how services can better engage fathers, improve understanding of fathers’ experiences and ensure support is available at key points in family life, including the early years.

Through this work, we hope to help build a stronger evidence base, amplify the voices of fathers and families, and encourage greater cross-sector collaboration around family resilience. As the group develops, Home-Start Cymru will continue to bring insights from families and frontline services into discussions, ensuring that policy conversations remain grounded in real experiences and focused on creating meaningful change for children and parents across Wales.

Read more: Cross Party Group – Fathers’ Wellbeing and Family Resilience – Cross Party Groups

For further information, or queries regarding membership, please contact Izzabella James, ijames@homestartcymru.org.uk