Invisible is a film commissioned by the Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) to raise awareness of Father’s Mental health – at least 1 in 10 fathers experience mental health problems around the time of birth. Principally aimed at the membership for the iHV, the film is designed to be a platform for debate and discussion around the the role of fathers in the early years. Funded by the Burdett Trust for Nursing, the film was launched at a special screening at The Curzon Cinema in Victoria in June 2025, hosted by Patrick Russell from the British Film Institute. Further screenings have taken place at the Blackburn with Darwen Dad’s Conference and the Royal College of Psychiatry International Congress and iHV webinar (250 participants). As of July 2025 there have been 250 responses to the evaluation questionnaire. The film has scored an average rating of 4.81 out of five and has received overwhelming positive comments:
“It continues to fuel my passion for supporting both parents. It is a stark reminder of the importance of keeping sight of fathers.”
“Through reflection , I want to enhance my assessment process of father’s interaction with baby and his mental health”
“It was very moving, and also really showed how Josh was feeling, the shock of him “dropping” the baby and the fear that that brought about was very real. I don’t think we talk about intrusive thoughts enough.”
“It highlighted the importance of this issue that is rarely talked about”
“It brought back memories of when I first became a dad, from the CPR, to the planning of suicide, and saying sorry to the baby – the film resonated me deeply but told a story that most dads are scared to share”
