A LOTTERY-funded project in Monmouthshire is reminding parents that ‘Dads Can.’

The project, managed by Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA), provides opportunities and support to fathers and father-figures across Monmouthshire and Newport.

Many dads that access the project are in crisis, have no one to turn to and find themselves fighting a daily battle to see their children.

In the last year the Dads Can team has been working closely with family law solicitors Rubin Lewis O’Brien, who have saved dads tens of thousands of pounds in free legal advice and support.

Ruben Lewis O’Brien family law solicitor Rhys Warren, has championed the cause of the project and is passionate about the support he provides, he said: “If you can give something back then you should, we are all human in this world and every child deserves to be able to know their father if possible.”

Katie Double, Dads Can Co-ordinator said: “Many dads struggle with expensive court costs, especially those working in low paid jobs trying to turn their lives around, they often face difficulties in getting legal help from the government. Quite often it’s only through the goodwill of people like Rhys Warren that our dads have a fighting chance of gaining access to their children.”

Dads Can has worked with 120 dads this year and 10 children have been removed from the child protection register. The project has helped dads access counselling, driving lessons and regularly hosts dads only sessions such as dry stone walling, paintballing and going to see the rugby. The team also support ‘dads’ in attending meetings with social services and court and taking families out for a day of fun filled activities that are having a hard time.

Visit http://dads-can.co.uk for more information.