About us
Founded in 2015 and based in Tendring, North East Essex, Lads Need Dads CIC is an award-winning Community Interest Company providing early intervention and long-term support for boys aged 10–18 growing up without a consistent father figure or positive male role model.
We believe every boy deserves consistent support, trusted relationships and opportunities to thrive. Through positive male role models, structured programmes and long-term mentoring, we help boys build confidence, emotional resilience, stronger connections and a positive sense of identity.
We provide:
- Male-led mentoring and group programmes
- Outdoor activities and challenge-based experiences
- Practical life skills and personal development opportunities
- Inspirational role models and guest speakers
- Community volunteering and leadership opportunities
- Reading Mentor and school-based programmes
- Support for mothers and families
- Ongoing support and trusted relationships
Lads Need Dads was among the first organisations in the UK to take a proactive and structured approach to supporting boys growing up without consistent father involvement. Over the last decade, we have developed a unique pathway combining early intervention with long-term support.
Awareness of the challenges facing boys is increasing, yet specialist provision remains limited. This highlights the importance of earlier intervention, stronger relationships and greater investment in prevention — helping boys thrive today and supporting the future fathers, partners and men they will become.
Our vision
To create a society in which boys growing up without a consistent father figure are identified early, understood better, supported sooner and given access to the relationships and opportunities they need to thrive
Our mission
“Our 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.”
“To provide support, guidance and training to mothers and carers raising boys alone.”
“To raise awareness and understanding of the important role fathers play in the emotional, mental and educational development and well-being of boys.”
Research shows that children with an actively involved father are more likely to succeed at school, have higher self-esteem, and experience fewer behavioural and mental health difficulties. Yet in the UK, around 2.5 million children are growing up without a father figure, and over 3 million live in single-parent households (ONS, 2024).
At Lads Need Dads, we exist to bridge that gap early.
We support boys aged 10–18 who are growing up without consistent father involvement—helping them build confidence, resilience, emotional awareness and a sense of direction. Our focus is on early intervention, working with boys before challenges escalate into disengagement from school, poor mental health or involvement in risky behaviours.
Our team brings together experience from education, criminal justice, health and social care, alongside a strong network of trained male mentors who provide positive role models and consistent support.
Referrals are made through partner schools or directly to us when community programmes are running. If you are a parent, school or agency interested in accessing a programme or making a referral, please contact us via our website.
Why Lads Need Dads
Lads Need Dads believes that prevention and early intervention are crucial in supporting boys and young men growing up without a consistent father figure or positive male role model. Research and frontline experience suggest that some boys can face additional challenges in areas such as emotional wellbeing, confidence, relationships, behaviour and school engagement. With the right support, guidance and encouragement at the right time, outcomes can change.
We work alongside boys and young men aged 10–18, providing trusted support during some of the most important developmental years of their lives. Through positive male role models, mentoring and meaningful experiences, we help boys build confidence, connection and a stronger sense of identity and belonging.
A core part of our work focuses on developing emotional intelligence and resilience — helping boys recognise, understand and express emotions in healthy ways. We create opportunities for boys to challenge themselves, learn practical skills, discover their strengths and contribute positively to their communities.
At Lads Need Dads, we recognise that boys do not simply need support when difficulties arise — they need consistent relationships, positive guidance and people who believe in them before problems escalate.
Our aim is simple: to help boys feel seen, valued and equipped to become healthier, more confident young men — and ultimately healthier future fathers.