Dad Space

Dad Space Providing support for the emotional health of new and expecting dads. You are not alone.

We’re pleased to share that Jennie Ericksen, Senior Clinical Psychologist and Program and Training Manager at PIRI, will...
15/04/2026

We’re pleased to share that Jennie Ericksen, Senior Clinical Psychologist and Program and Training Manager at PIRI, will be presenting at the Australian Fatherhood Research Symposium ( ) on 7–8 May.

She will be speaking about DadBooster, PIRI’s nationally accredited, evidence-based program designed to support fathers during the transition to parenthood. DadBooster focuses on strengthening mental health, building confidence, and supporting relationships during a time that is often overlooked in the health system.

Fathers play a critical role in family wellbeing, yet support for dads remains limited and inconsistent. Programs like DadBooster are helping to shift this, ensuring fathers are better supported during early parenting.

If you’re attending AFRS2026 (in Melbourne or online), we encourage you to come along and hear this presentation.

https://www.ausfatherhoodresearch.org/afrs-2026



Learn more about DadBooster:
https://www.dadspace.com.au/programs/dadbooster/

about becoming a dad, trying for a baby, or navigating the ups and downs of early fatherhood?We’re sharing this survey ...
15/04/2026

about becoming a dad, trying for a baby, or navigating the ups and downs of early fatherhood?

We’re sharing this survey from Healthy Male as part of the Plus Paternal initiative, which is looking at how well dads are supported across preconception, pregnancy and early parenting.

If this is you, your experience matters. What worked? What didn’t? What needs to change?

Take a few minutes to share your experience: https://bit.ly/4sj4TUQ

Becoming a dad is a big shift.More responsibility.Less sleep.More pressure to hold it together.Around 1 in 10 new or exp...
15/03/2026

Becoming a dad is a big shift.

More responsibility.
Less sleep.
More pressure to hold it together.

Around 1 in 10 new or expectant dads in Australia experience depression or anxiety during this time. Most don’t talk about it.

If you’ve been feeling flat, irritable, on edge, or not quite yourself, it’s not a personal failure. It’s a common response to a major life change.

DadBooster is a free, confidential online program designed specifically for fathers. Six sessions. Practical strategies. Based on proven CBT approaches. You complete it privately, at your own pace.

It’s structured. Evidence-based. And built for real life.

DadBooster is also accredited under the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards, so you know the support meets rigorous national benchmarks.

You don’t have to push through on your own.

Learn more about DadBooster here:
https://www.dadspace.com.au/

Sometimes you don’t need another long article.You need something practical.Something clear.Something you can screenshot,...
12/03/2026

Sometimes you don’t need another long article.

You need something practical.
Something clear.
Something you can screenshot, print, or stick on the fridge.

The DadSpace Resources page gives you downloadable tools and guides you can use straight away.

Tip sheets for managing stress.
A Top 10 guide for new dads.
Simple reminders about communication, self-care and staying steady in the early months.
Brochures you can share with a mate who might need it.

All developed by PIRI.
All designed specifically for dads.

No overcomplicating it. Just practical support you can access anytime.

Download the tools here:
https://www.dadspace.com.au/

There’s a lot of pressure on dads to “be strong”.But fatherhood doesn’t come with a manual.You’re learning on the run. M...
10/03/2026

There’s a lot of pressure on dads to “be strong”.

But fatherhood doesn’t come with a manual.

You’re learning on the run. Managing sleep deprivation. Supporting your partner. Figuring out your baby. Trying to look after your own head at the same time.

That’s why the DadSpace Blog exists.

It’s practical, research-backed advice from the team at PIRI. Straightforward guidance on stress, relationships, baby play, communication, time management and perinatal mental health. No fluff. No judgement.

Just useful information you can actually apply in real life.

If you’ve got questions, chances are another dad has had them too.

Read the latest articles here:
https://www.dadspace.com.au/

No one talks enough about the hard parts of becoming a dad.The self-doubt.The pressure.The moments where you wonder if y...
08/03/2026

No one talks enough about the hard parts of becoming a dad.

The self-doubt.
The pressure.
The moments where you wonder if you’re doing it right.

Every dad has them.

Sometimes the most helpful thing isn’t advice. It’s hearing another bloke say, “Yeah, I’ve felt that too.”

On DadSpace, Australian fathers share their real stories. The wins. The rough patches. What helped. What didn’t. What they learned along the way.

You’re not the only one figuring this out.

Read real stories from real dads here:
https://www.dadspace.com.au/

Fatherhood comes with high expectations.Be patient.Be steady.Know what you’re doing.Most dads are working it out as they...
06/03/2026

Fatherhood comes with high expectations.

Be patient.
Be steady.
Know what you’re doing.

Most dads are working it out as they go.

Being a good dad isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about having the right tools.

The DadSpace Dad Toolkit brings together evidence-backed programs and practical resources designed specifically for fathers. Real strategies to manage stress. Practical skills you can use straight away. Support that fits into real life.

You don’t need to figure it all out alone.

Explore your Dad Toolkit here:
https://www.dadspace.com.au/

No one trains you for fatherhood.You’re expected to handle the pressure, support your partner, settle the baby, go to wo...
04/03/2026

No one trains you for fatherhood.

You’re expected to handle the pressure, support your partner, settle the baby, go to work, function on broken sleep… and somehow keep it all together.

It’s a lot.

DadSpace was built for the real world of being a dad. Straightforward advice. Practical tools. Proven strategies to manage stress and anxiety. Tips you can actually use, from settling your baby to working as a team with your partner.

It’s about steadying yourself while everything else is changing.

You don’t have to figure this out on your own.

Find practical support here:
https://www.dadspace.com.au/

Becoming a dad changes everything.The sleep.The pressure.The responsibility.Most dads expect to feel tired. Fewer expect...
03/03/2026

Becoming a dad changes everything.

The sleep.
The pressure.
The responsibility.

Most dads expect to feel tired. Fewer expect to feel anxious, flat, irritable or overwhelmed.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not failing. You’re adjusting to one of the biggest transitions of your life.

DadSpace was built for fathers across Australia. It’s practical, straight-up support with tools you can actually use.

And if things feel heavier than they should, DadBooster is a free, confidential online program designed specifically for dads experiencing depression or anxiety.

Getting support is a practical step.
You don’t have to carry it on your own.

Find support here:
https://www.dadspace.com.au/

Over the last 24 years, the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) has been dedicated to advancing mental health during...
23/02/2026

Over the last 24 years, the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) has been dedicated to advancing mental health during the crucial early years of life.

Through international research, evidence-based early intervention programs, and strong service partnerships, we have supported thousands of Australian parents and infants during pregnancy and the postnatal period.

PIRI delivers digital mental health programs that are accredited under the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health (NSQDMH) Standards, reinforcing our commitment to safe, high-quality care.

Digital services offer convenient and effective ways for consumers, carers, and families to access support, whether they live in regional areas, need flexibility around work and parenting, or prefer private, self-directed options.

Programs such as MumMoodBooster, Mum2BMoodBooster and DadBooster, alongside the stepped-care resources available via MumSpace and DadSpace, reflect more than two decades of rigorous research and translation into practice.

As demand for accessible perinatal mental health support continues to grow, the focus remains clear: maintain quality, protect trust, and ensure evidence informs every stage of development and delivery.

After 24 years, the commitment is not only to innovate, but to embed research-driven care where families need it most.

🔗 MumSpace: https://www.mumspace.com.au/
🔗 DadSpace: https://www.dadspace.com.au/

Becoming a parent is a huge shift, and watching your partner struggle with perinatal anxiety or depression can feel over...
28/01/2026

Becoming a parent is a huge shift, and watching your partner struggle with perinatal anxiety or depression can feel overwhelming. You might feel like you need to "fix" it, but often, just being there is enough.

Our latest blog post shares how you can:

💙 Listen without needing to provide all the answers.

💙 Support through small, practical daily tasks.

💙 Prioritise your own mental health so you can stay strong for your family.

You aren't alone in this journey. Read our full guide on supporting your partner and your baby during this time. https://www.dadspace.com.au/how-you-can-support-your-partner/

Supporting someone through pregnancy or early parenthood can be hard too.Partners, family members, friends, and carers p...
28/01/2026

Supporting someone through pregnancy or early parenthood can be hard too.

Partners, family members, friends, and carers play a vital role when a woman is struggling during pregnancy or after having a baby, but they are often unsure how best to help, or how to look after themselves along the way.

MumMoodBooster and Mum2BMoodBooster are free, confidential, nationally accredited, evidence-based online treatment programs for women experiencing perinatal depression.

These programs also include dedicated support information for partners and carers, with practical guidance to help you understand perinatal depression, support recovery, care for yourself, and navigate early parenthood together.

If you are supporting someone who may be struggling, you can play an important role by encouraging her to consider MumMoodBooster or Mum2BMoodBooster as a trusted treatment option.

Learn more about the programs and how they can help:
https://www.mumspace.com.au/online-treatments/

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