AN organisation created to address the impact on boys without a father-figure is bringing their preventative work from Tendring to Colchester.

Lads Need Dads is appealing for referrals for boys aged 13 to 15, but also men between 25 and 40 to be mentors throughout an 18-month intervention programme.

It starts with Equip, weekly after-school sessions for six months exploring subjects like emotional intelligence, self-expression, risk taking, alcoholism, gender stereotypes and healthy relationships.

Funding permitted, Lads Need Dads founder Sonia Shaljean, will be able to progress the cohort through Engage and then Inspire, which gives them the opportunity to train as peer mentors and ambassadors.

She said: “The first six months is the hardest but the best in terms of solidifying bonds amongst the group.

“For some of the boys it will be the first time they engage and talk about their experiences, then we can build on that for next programme which gives practical life skills through workshops and volunteering in the community.”

The announcement to expand into Colchester comes just a few months after receiving the national family award at the Centre for Social Justice Awards in London.

Being recognised by the CSJ, founded by ex-Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith, led to a profile in the Telegraph and international radio coverage, giving Sonia a chance to challenge attitudes on the importance of male role models and men being the “high-risk gender”.

Gazette:

Pictured with Iain Duncan Smith and MP Bernard Jenkin

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The perception is changing, she believes, which is why she is keen to point out Lads Need Dads’ ethos is pro-mums who might be raising their sons alone for various reasons including death, a parent being in the Armed Forces or by choice.

She said: “Mums are critical to the whole process. We need mums to be on board and motivated because they’re the ones who have to bring their child to our sessions and pick them up.

“It won’t work if they’re not behind it.”

Mum to three sons, Sonia is encouraging everyone to look at their family unit to help identify a boy who would benefit.

It could be a teenager in a female-centric home who does not engage with extra-curricular clubs, or who does not have a male with whom to identify.

She added: “Look at whether a dad or father-figure is in the home and what protective factors are in place for that boy.”

  • To make enquiries call 01255 764603 or email info@ladsneeddads.org.

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