The Families Commission’s ‘Couch Poll ‘, a regular internet-based survey, found that respondents to special ‘Families Day’ questions about fathers felt better attitudes are needed.

However, only a small number of people responded to the poll (142), and 22% of them were female.

When asked to tick the three most important things that could be done to support fathers, ‘better attitudes from society’ came out on top (46%) followed by ‘special parenting programmes for fathers’ (33%), ’better paternal leave provisions’ (32%) and ‘more flexible working hours’ (32%).

‘Partners’ and ‘friends’ were the most important support people (71% and 65%). A majority also stated that they would attend a parenting course if one was available, or had already done so, either at work (56%) or outside of it (53%).

Antenatal classes received a hammering, with more than half of respondents saying that they felt excluded from them. Three quarters felt that there was nothing about parenting in them and that it was entirely focused on birth and practicalities.

The respondents also showed a preference for written or internet-based parenting information, with 80% saying they would use, or are already using, father-specific written information, and 72% internet-based information.

Active church members appeared strongly represented in the survey, with 28% naming a pastor/vicar or similar as an important support person.