Young fathers under 25 across the UK are being left behind. At Daddication Community CIC, we work with these young men every day and see how they’re excluded from parenting programmes, housing support, and mental health services, just because they’re dads, not mums. Many are trying to do the right thing and be present for their children, but they face stigma, a lack of resources, and few safe spaces to get help or advice.

When young fathers are unsupported, families suffer. Children grow up with less stability, dads struggle with mental health, and communities miss out on strong role models. But when young dads are given the same support as mums access to parenting classes, financial advice, mental health care they thrive. Their kids thrive. The cycle of poverty and absence can be broken.

We can’t keep treating young fathers like afterthoughts. With youth services under pressure and family breakdown on the rise, this is the time to invest in young dads. We’re calling on the UK Government to create dedicated support programmes, fund father-focused mental health services, and make sure young fathers have equal access to parenting and housing help. Let’s back the dads who want to show up. Let’s do it now.