We are delighted to share with you the successes of one the projects we support with VVU grant funding. The Colchester based Lads Need Dads mission is to “equip, engage and inspire boys and young men aged 10-18 with absent fathers or limited access to a positive male role model, to enable them to reach their full potential.” Through this mission they co-create innovative projects and schemes that work with young men, helping them improve their lives and enjoy more positive life opportunities.
Lads Need Dads run an Ambassador Scheme, an open-ended programme available to young men who have completed their core 18-month intervention. It is designed to support young men as they transition into adulthood, helping them build independence, explore their purpose, and identify their next steps, whether that’s entering further education, training, employment, or apprenticeships.
The scheme offers ongoing personal development opportunities and introduces participants to guest speakers from a wide range of career paths, helping broaden their horizons and raise aspirations. It also provides a consistent and supportive group environment where friendships are maintained and strengthened. For those who feel ready, it’s also a space to step into leadership by taking on mentoring responsibilities for younger boys in the programme.
Highlights
Some recent highlights of the Ambassador programme include a creative careers workshop which was led by top casting directors and focused on creative careers in TV, film, gaming, and theatre. The session shared with the boys career opportunities they hadn’t considered before, broadening their understanding of pathways into the creative industries.
In March two of the Ambassadors were invited to share their own personal stories at the launch of the Lost Boys report in Westminster. In front of policy makers, charity representatives, education leads and politicians, Charlie and Alby shared their experiences and spoke eloquently about why they believe there is a crisis among young men and boys in Britain today.
April saw the ambassadors participating in a workshop which looked at “what makes a good father?” Despite their own experiences with fatherness they were reflective, mature, empathetic and constructive in their contributions which lead to a highly productive and informative session.
And finally late last month the prime time BBC1 Programme The One Show, covered the importance of male role models for young men and featured Robbie and his mum Jess, talking about the work of the organisation. This was followed by a glimpse of the community work the young men were undertaking while they explained how Lads Need Dads supports them to become healthy, resilient individuals.
Supporting our young men
The above examples not only showcase the great work Lads need Dads is doing in giving young men a voice, but more importantly show the support the individual Ambassadors receive towards their own personal growth – be this by building confidence through public speaking, developing emotional intelligence by sharing thoughts and feelings or allowing them self-belief they can have great careers and be positive role models.
It is only by early intervention and supporting our young men and boys can we help them steer away from underachieving and negative life choices, and support them to grow into the strong, resilient, positive individuals they all deserve to be.
Find out more about Lads Need Dads at Lads Need Dads CIC
