Our Innovation and Research team has been named Winner of the Public Health Nursing Award at the Nursing Times Awards 2026 celebration last night, for our groundbreaking work, "Bringing Fathers' Mental Health into Focus".

This award-winning work centred on the creation of ‘Invisible’, a powerful short film co-produced with fathers and partners to shine a light on the experiences of fathers facing mental health challenges during pregnancy and early parenthood. The film was developed by the Institute of Health Visiting in collaboration with Chris Godwin of Inner Eye Productions and made possible through funding from The Burdett Trust for Nursing. Through authentic storytelling and co-production, Invisible has helped spark important conversations across health, social care and family services, encouraging professionals to recognise, understand and respond more effectively to fathers' mental health needs.

In presenting the award, the Nursing Times judges praised the innovative and collaborative approach taken by the iHV:

"The Institute is driving a movement for change on fathers' mental health, a major public health issue overlooked for many years. The judges were impressed by the innovative, evidence-based approach to addressing this challenge. By thinking outside the box and harnessing collaboration, co-production and creativity, the team successfully translated evidence into practical action and meaningful change. It is a powerful example of nursing leadership, innovation and advocacy delivering lasting improvements."

The award recognises a programme of work that has brought much-needed attention to the emotional wellbeing of fathers during the transition to parenthood. Through research, professional education, advocacy, co-production with fathers and families, and innovative awareness-raising initiatives, the iHV has worked to ensure that fathers' mental health is no longer invisible within perinatal and early years services.

Commenting on the award win, Alison Morton OBE, Chief Executive of the Institute of Health Visiting, said:

"Huge congratulations to Team iHV, winners of this year's Public Health Nursing Award at the Nursing Times Awards, for their groundbreaking work on fathers' mental health and production of the brilliant film Invisible. Raising awareness, driving change for the better. Congratulations to Sharin Baldwin, Chris Godwin and Vicky Gilroy. You all deserve to feel very proud."

Alison Morton OBE, Chief Executive of the Institute of Health Visiting

From left: Sharin Baldwin, Chris Godwin and Vicky Gilroy

Sharin Baldwin, Senior Health Visiting Research Lead at the Institute of Health Visiting, said:

"I am delighted that this work has been recognised through a national award. Building on my research into fathers' mental health, it has been incredibly rewarding to see evidence translated into a powerful resource that is raising awareness, influencing practice and supporting families. This recognition highlights the importance of fathers' mental health as a public health issue and the impact that research can have when combined with collaboration, co-production and innovation."

Sharin Baldwin, Senior Health Visiting Research Lead at the Institute of Health Visiting

The award reflects the dedication of the entire iHV team and the many fathers, families, practitioners, researchers and partner organisations who have contributed to this important work. It reinforces the need for continued action to ensure that fathers' mental health is recognised as an integral part of family health and wellbeing.

As the iHV continues to champion evidence-based practice and innovation, this national recognition highlights the impact that health visiting can have in addressing emerging public health challenges and improving outcomes for children, parents and families.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported this work and helped us create a growing movement for change. Together, we can ensure that no father feels invisible.

If you haven’t seen the film yet, please click here to view and share with colleagues. You can also find further useful resources here.

🔗Access our Fathers' Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Training Programmes