Youth Voices Forum
Our Youth Voices Forum represent the young men behind Lads Need Dads.
They speak not just from personal experience, but for a wider group of boys growing up without a consistent father figure – offering insight into what’s helped, what’s missing, and what needs to change.
Boys need consistent, positive male role models
Boys need safe spaces to open up without judgement
Boys need guidance on real life – not just academics
Boys need clear direction and purpose for their future
When boys are given the right support early, they don’t just cope – they grow, lead, and go on to shape the next generation.
Cam, 17
A bit about me
I enjoy playing a variety of online games, as well as getting outdoors biking and climbing. I’m currently studying esports at college, which links closely to my interests and what I’d like to do in the future.
What has being part of Lads Need Dads meant to you?
Being part of the programme has really improved my confidence and helped me learn things I didn’t know before. It’s given me more belief in myself and helped me feel more comfortable trying new things and speaking to people.
What do you think boys your age need more of today?
I believe boys my age need more support through school, especially around confidence, direction and understanding what they want to do in the future. Having the right support and guidance can make a big difference.
Reuben, 20
A bit about me
I work as a trainee Primary School PE teacher and enjoy being outdoors and playing football.
What has being part of Lads Need Dads meant to you?
It showed me I wasn’t alone.
Being part of Lads Need Dads gave me a space to be open and ask for help.
What do you think boys your age need more of today?
I believe every boy should have access to positive male role models they can learn from, especially those lacking a father figure.
Wyatt, 19
A bit about me
I enjoy mixed martial arts and going to the gym.
What has being part of Lads Need Dads meant to you?
They helped shape the person I am today.
Through Lads Need Dads, I’ve learned how to understand my emotions and communicate clearly.
What do you think boys your age need more of today?
I believe some young men feel lost because they didn’t get the guidance they needed growing up – and that needs to change.
James, 17
A bit about me
I’m studying my A’levels and enjoy making music and DJ-ing.
What has being part of Lads Need Dads meant to you?
Lads Need Dads has been a core part of my teenage years.
The programme has helped shape who I am and given me valuable life experiences.
What do you think boys your age need more of today?
I believe boys need more guidance around careers and their future so they don’t lose motivation.
Joel, 17
A bit about me
I enjoy staying active and spending time with friends, and I’m currently studying my A’levels and learning to drive.
What has being part of Lads Need Dads meant to you?
It’s been life-changing for me.
Lads Need Dads has helped me build confidence, open up about how I feel, and learn from positive male role models.
What do you think boys your age need more of today?
I believe boys need more support like this to help them become the best version of themselves.
Charlie, 20
A bit about me
I’m an apprentice plumber and love playing football in my spare time.
What has being part of Lads Need Dads meant to you?
I’ve been part of Lads Need Dads since I was 13, after my dad passed away. Being part of the programme has had a huge impact on my life. Honestly, I don’t think I’d be here today without that support. It gave me people to talk to, helped me through some really difficult times, and showed me how to understand and manage my emotions plus gave me another extended family.
What do you think boys your age need more of today?
I’m really passionate about early support and mental health. I believe boys my age need more spaces where they can be real, open up, and be shown how to express how they feel – like I’ve learned through Lads Need Dads.