Young fathers

One of our charity’s key aims is to support and benefit young fathers (25 years-old and under) and expectant young fathers.

Parenting issues and teenage pregnancy have never been more topical or high on the agenda for local and national services. However, research and our work has shown that young fathers are not being sufficiently targeted or included in solutions that promote better parenting and family welfare.  Evidence shows it is necessary to do this in order to benefit the well-being and upbringing of children born to young parents, as well as to help and support young men in their role as a father.

WWM has been working with fathers for many years and our experience of working with young fathers in particular shows that contrary to negative stereotypes and expectations, they want to be more involved as fathers but often face problems and challenges in doing so.

We are currently leading on work precisely to help and enable young fathers to be more involved in the upbringing of their child. This includes: the establishment of advice services for fathers and 'expectant fathers' courses, and publishing public information and website materials aiming to support and benefit young fathers and fathers of young children. We currently employ two full-time ‘Young Fathers’ project workers who are implementing and advancing our work with fathers in south and south East London. We are also developing work with fathers in Croydon and North West London.

Working With Men is in the process of developing an ambitious and far-reaching Young Fathers Initiative (FYI) to encompass: direct services and support for young fathers and campaigning on awareness of the specific issues affecting young fathers and the welfare of their families/child.

Visit our companion website www.young-fathers.org.uk to download:
‘Young Father – Or about to become one?'
– a free advice booklet for expectant and new young fathers.