Fathers Network Scotland is set to lead a new pilot project which aims to tackle postnatal depression among men

Plans to tackle paternal postnatal depression have been revealed.

The How Are You, Dad? initiative will see midwives and health visitors in Fife, North Lanarkshire, Lothian and Greater Glasgow trained to recognise postnatal paternal depression and help fathers to access support.

The project has been created in response to one in ten men suffering with mental health issues in the year after their child is born.

The pilot in Scotland - which is funded by the Scottish Government - will be delivered by Fathers Network Scotland after their recent Year of the Dad campaign to make maternity services more father-friendly.

A survey by the Scottish charity in 2018 found only 16% of fathers were asked about their mental health during routine antenatal appointments. Figures suggest between seven and 10% of new dads exhibit levels of depressive symptoms.

David Devenney, director of Fathers Network Scotland, said: “Primarily midwives and health workers are concerned about mums and our recent research with fathers shows most of the time they are pushed out of the picture. It’s time to create a culture change. Frontline staff can be scared to ask dads about mental health or they are not even on their radar. This pilot will help shift attitudes so that asking fathers as well as mothers becomes the norm.”