OUR OFFER

Currently funded to work with young fathers and expectant dads and other vulnerable young men aged under 25 who live in Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland, we work with young men alone (Individual Help) and in groups (Peer Support) to achieve the following:

• A greater sense of self-worth, self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Building self-reliance and resilience.
• Reduce social isolation, build effective peer support networks and a greater sense of belonging.
• Acquire new knowledge and skills relevant to future employability and career progression.
• Enhance parenting practice and improve relationships.
• Be empowered to voice their needs and wishes and be involved in important decisions that affect their future and the lives of their children.
• Identify and overcome barriers.
• Campaign effectively to improve service provision and practice.
• Challenge negative perceptions of young men and boys in wider society.
• Identify and access wider help from other services and professionals.
• Instil a passion for life-long learning by reconnecting young men with education.
• ‘Lead from the front’ and direct the charities work and vision.

Restrictions

• We only work with young men who want to work with us and not as a requirement or condition of another person or professional body.

• We offer a confidential service that will not actively share young men’s private information with outside parties. However, we are required by law to work in way that protect children and families from harm. During our first appointment we will explain the limits of confidentiality and ask the young man to confirm his understanding of these conditions. If he chooses to decline our help and support at this or any other point, then we will respect his decision.

• In order to stay in touch and track progress, we do store some basic information on a secure and password protected I.T. system. Again, we will not store this information without the young man’s prior consent.

• Due to the high demand for support, we work strictly on a ‘first come first serve basis.’ This can sometimes lead to a delay in receiving help. If we can’t help a young man immediately we will say so.

• As a non-crisis service that is dedicated foremost to helping young men develop effective parenting and relationship skills, confidence and expertise, we may not be able to meet the most complex and pressing difficulties facing some young men (including drug and alcohol dependency, mental illness, homelessness and debt). So if we can’t help, we are very sorry!