Young dads reveal benefits of support group

12.58.23pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 4th May 2007

Young dads benefiting from a Richmond Council-run support group are sharing their stories in a new booklet launched to help fellow fathers.

The Richmond Upon Thames Young Fathers Support Group was set up last year to offer advice and help to dads under 22 years old. Regular workshops support them through anti-natal and post-natal stages of childbirth, sexual health awareness and getting back into education, employment and training. The new booklet features five case studies of dads who regularly attend and explain how the group has helped them meet the daunting demands of fatherhood. They hope their experience will encourage more young dads to attend the weekly drop-in sessions at Hampton Youth Project and take advantage of the advice and support on offer.

Cllr Malcolm Eady, Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education, said:

"Coping with a baby is hard work, especially if you are young. While there is lots of publicity about teenage mums, young fathers can sometimes seem forgotten. Many want to play an active role in bringing up their child and this excellent group helps support them through the practical and emotional challenges they face. The new booklet shows just how successful the project has been. I hope it will help raise awareness and be an aid to future young dads in need of a helping hand."