How the emotive film Invisible, created in collaboration with the Institute of Health Visiting, is helping to raise awareness of fathers’ perinatal mental health.
Abstract
Despite growing evidence over the past decade demonstrating the significant mental health needs of new fathers, corresponding changes in policy and practice have remained limited. This article outlines an innovative interdisciplinary collaboration led by health visitors that uses film as a medium for knowledge mobilisation, aiming to influence both practice and policy. Invisible, a short film, was created by Inner Eye Productions in collaboration with the Institute of Health Visiting, with funding from The Burdett Trust for Nursing. It aims to raise awareness of paternal mental health, catalyse reflective practice, and prompt systemic change in the support offered to families during the perinatal period.
Citation: Baldwin S et al (2026) Invisible: using film to bring fathers’ mental health research to life. Nursing Times; 122: 8.
Authors: Sharin Baldwin is senior health visitor research lead, Institute of Health Visiting; adjunct research fellow, Western Sydney University and post-doctoral research fellow, University of Kent; Chris Godwin is creative director, Inner Eye Productions; Hilda Beauchamp is former perinatal and infant mental health lead, Institute of Health Visiting.