Emotional toolkit

Dads House has built an Emotional toolkit for you to use. It offers advice, tips and tools on maintaining good emotional wellbeing and practical tips on particular aspects of the process. It has been designed to work digitally and in printed form, allowing you to use the toolkit in ways that suit you. You can download the whole toolkit as well as individual tools. The sections of the toolkit cover topics on: 

  • understanding emotional wellbeing 

  • managing your journey 

  • maintaining emotional wellbeing 

  • preparing for legal appointments 

  • preparing for court 

  • engaging with Cafcass 

  • life after court proceedings 

  • practical things for you to try 

  • developing a wellbeing plan 

  • where to seek professional help 

If these topics sound like they would be useful to you, download the toolkit below. It can be used online as a digital PDF, or you can print out sections that are useful for you. 

Help us develop the toolkit 

We’d like to hear from you on how you have used the toolkit. We will use your feedback to continue to improve the support offered. If you would like to share your experiences, please click on the link below ‘Provide your feedback’. This will take you to a short form that you can fill out like a daily diary entry, and provide us with feedback whenever you use the toolkit. 


Tools to help you 

In the main toolkit (above) you will find lots of tools to help you with your emotional wellbeing. We have provided some of these tools below, for easy access. 

 Mindfulness activities 

When emotions run high, using strategies like breathing, guided meditation, or mindfulness activities can help bring your body and mind back to the present. Download the mindfulness activities onto your phone or print them yourself so that you can carry them with you when using a phone might not be appropriate. 

Make a wellbeing plan

Court proceedings about your children can be one of the most emotionally challenging experiences you’ll face. Creating a Wellbeing Plan in advance can help you prepare for stress, recognise when you’re struggling, and know what to do to take care of yourself. 


A checklist to help you prepare for legal appointments 

When it comes to your legal appointments, being prepared can make a big difference. It helps you stay focused, make the most of your time, and ensures that your concerns are clearly heard and understood 

A checklist to help you prepare for court

Your presentation and preparation during the proceedings matter. This tool provides you with some practical strategies to help you put your best foot forward on the day.