Mental health issues in young fathers caused by a lack of support in work and educational settings

New research published by Leeds Trinity University and parenting platform DaddiLife claims that young fathers face preventable barriers when accessing education and employment, leaving some in vulnerable positions with an increased risk of facing mental health issues.

New Pathways for Young Fathers is a collaborative piece of research between Leeds Trinity University and DaddiLife, working in partnership with Leeds City Council’s ‘Support and Prevention Team’ and ‘Futures’ to investigate the day-to-day experiences of young fathers and how they manage their role as a parent.

The aim of the research is to kickstart further debate and progress on education, employment and training trajectories, and the impact that such experiences can have on a young fathers’ health and wellbeing.

The study identified potential risks in the education system, the training sector, employment issues and a lack of informal or formal support for some young fathers, which typically resulted in negative outcomes, including poor mental health.

The report concludes that there is a need for policy change – particularly investing in and providing more professional and community support for young men. Future focus should be on the emerging role of what it means to be a father and enabling a better understanding of young fathers’ rights.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”It’s vital that we deepen our focus into this group of parents across the whole of the UK.”[/perfectpullquote]

Dr Carmen Clayton, co-author and Reader in Family and Cultural Dynamics at Leeds Trinity University, said: “Through a mutual and passionate interest in modern day fatherhood and the lives of young fathers, Leeds Trinity University and DaddiLife formed a new research collaboration to focus on the current educational, employment, and training experiences and trajectories for this group of parents.

“By providing a platform for young fathers’ voices, we hope that this study will generate and encourage much needed discussion amongst professionals and policy makers and our online launch event will be a starting point for initiating these debates.”

Han-Son Lee, Founder of DaddiLife and co-author, said: “Despite the many advances of fathers as a whole over the last few years moving out of the traditional stereotype of being a secondary or lazy parent, New Pathways for Young Fathers has revealed that there are a hidden array of extra issues and tensions for young fathers. My hope is that this research has started to shine a light on the incredible attempts these men are making in re-shaping their lives, ambitions, and day to day experiences around their new fatherly role.

He added: “But despite their best efforts, the ‘perfect storm’ of educational barriers, employment policies, and ever reducing support is leading to very real and worrying health concerns of these young fathers. It’s vital that we deepen our focus into this group of parents across the whole of the UK.”

Image:DaddiLife