Advertorial: In Focus - Young fathers in depth

As David Lammy MP has argued in a recent essay for 4Children, young teenage dads will often need extra help to take on their new responsibilities and for too many that help simply isn't there. If we are to offer young dads and their children the best start possible, we need to provide the best support possible, argues Lammy. This includes specialist support to build confidence, learn parenting techniques and build good relations with their partner.

That is why the work of organisations such as St Michael's Fellowship in Lambeth is so important. St Michael's is an independent charity that works with both young mums and young dads to support them in their journey through parenthood. This includes a dedicated Young Fathers' Service, which helps young fathers aged 24 or under across a broad spectrum of issues, such as involvement in pregnancy and antenatal care, childbirth and co-parenting. St Michael's also offers advice on broader issues such as housing, careers and money and benefits, and runs indoor and outdoor activities for dads to take part in with their children.