Brightlingsea sculpture marks 10 years of Lads Need Dads

The sculpture, which has been installed in Millennium Gardens, marks the 10th anniversary of Lads Need Dads, which supports boys growing up without a father figure.

Titled The Strength to Stand Beside, the sculpture was created by artist Luke Edgar in collaboration with his father, John Edgar, following a workshop he ran for the organisation.

The plaque accompanying the sculpture (Image: Tendring Council)

The sculpture was installed by Brightlingsea Town Council with support from Tendring Council and Arts Council England as part of the Youth Voice Project, which gives voice to young people and their journeys.

Gary Scott, councillor responsible for arts, culture and heritage at Tendring Council, said: "This sculpture is a powerful and moving tribute to the importance of mentoring and the strength that comes from walking alongside young people.

"It’s a celebration of 10th years of life-changing work by Lads Need Dads, and a reminder of the positive impact that creative projects like Youth Voice can have in our communities.

The sculpture by Luke and John Edgar (Image: Tendring Council)

"We’re committed to working with our partners to improve quality of life for our residents as well as raising aspirations and opportunities for our young people."

Lads Need Dads, based in Tendring and founded in 2015, is an award-winning, not-for-profit community interest company, set up to prevent potential problems and address existing ones where boys are missing a father figure in their lives.

The charity is currently one of the only projects in the UK which works to address the impact of an absent father on boys aged 10 to 18, and whose approach looks at both early intervention and long-term.

Sonia Shaljean, founder and managing director, said: "This sculpture beautifully captures what Lads Need Dads stands for – the strength found in standing beside young people as they grow in confidence and resilience.

"To see this artwork unveiled in our 10th anniversary year is deeply moving.

"It represents a decade of boys finding their voices, and the power of mentorship to change lives and shape futures."

The Youth Voice Project is a collaborative effort between the Tendring Cultural Education Partnership, Tendring Council and Arts Council England.