Why We Walk: The Heart Behind Man With A Pram

This is the average new dad: overwhelmed by the joy and responsibility of a newborn, but also feeling utterly alone. On the outside, we can be smiling. Inside, we can be crumbling.

Man With A Pram (MWAP) is more than a Father’s Day walk. It’s a national movement built to support, honour, and acknowledge dads during one of the most critical, and often invisible, seasons of their lives: the perinatal period.

"After 10 years of parenting, I feel much more qualified to talk about how unqualified I am. I’ve had seasons where I felt like the best dad in the world. And seasons where I was convinced I was letting my family down.

This is the reality for many Australian dads. Father’s Day is a perfect time to lay some of our truths on the table." - Dads Group CEO Thomas Docking.

Research shows that 1 in 10 new dads experience perinatal anxiety or depression, often in silence. They’re frequently unsure where to turn, reluctant to be a burden, and cautious of being judged. Many look at pamphlet stands in community centres and see endless support for mums and little more than a brochure on men’s behaviour change for themselves.

The health system often doesn’t have a place or a service designed for them. Yet the need is real. When men don’t have a place to process or be supported, the risks go beyond their own wellbeing. The months after birth are statistically linked to increases in family violence, and research continues to show a strong correlation between untreated male mental health issues and the safety of families.

But this isn’t a message of fear. It’s a message of hope. Because something as simple as walking with a pram can change everything.

"I’ve seen the profound impact of a strong community of dads connecting with other people who “get it.” When fathers come together to share openly, laugh, talk about the good and hard stuff, they feel understood. And when dads are supported, families are stronger."

I remember one father telling us, “The birth of my child was so overwhelming for me and the shock led me to disengage from my child and my partner. I have now been able to seek help for myself and now I’m building strong connections between me and my partner and our child.”

Stories like this aren’t one-offs. They’re what fuel this movement. They’re why we walk.

Some dads show up needing support. Others show up to be the support they once needed.

Man With A Pram isn’t just a feel-good event. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness, build connection, and fund programs that support real families. It's a national campaign run by Dads Group, a charity dedicated to ensuring no father has to face parenthood alone.

This Father’s Day, yes, spoil the dads in your life. But also, walk beside them. Support the dads who might be struggling silently. Because when we back dads, we build stronger families.

Whether you're pushing a pram, sponsoring a friend, or simply showing up, thank you for walking with us.

Join your local event or start one at www.manwithapram.com because no dad should walk alone. Being a dad changes everything but too often, you're left figuring it out alone.