A new post-evaluation of Dads at their Best (DATB) — Swindon Borough Council’s support service for young fathers — has highlighted the programme’s lasting positive impact on dads, children, and families.
Developed in partnership with the Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) National Unit and the local FNP team, DATB helps young fathers build confidence, parenting skills, and stronger family relationships.
The 2025 evaluation found that both young fathers and professionals continue to praise the service for its practical and emotional support. It also showed clear short-, medium-, and long-term benefits for fathers and their children, with many participants completing or nearing the end of the programme.
DATB has also influenced local professional practice, promoting more inclusive approaches to young fatherhood and challenging outdated or negative views.
Recommendations from the study include extending DATB to match the length of FNP support (until the child’s second birthday), developing a national rollout, and creating a best-practice toolkit to share its successful model with other areas.
Read the full evaluation report and the best practice tool here: https://www.swindonjsna.co.uk/surveys-research/research-evaluations/