Posted on 10th May
A charity that helps dads who have been separated from their children is a finalist in two categories at this year’s Newark Business Awards, reports Rachel Jones.
Dads Advocates provides support for men who have been denied access to their children and aims to challenge the inequalities and barriers they may face in the family courts — as well as reducing parental conflict and instilling a child-centred approach.
Its committed team helps dads build meaningful relationships with their children, and come to safe co-parenting arrangements. The charity provides coaching to dads going through the court process, so they can keep safe and reliable access to their children until they get custody.
Nathan Wilson, who lives in Lincolnshire and is the chief executive of Dads Advocates, said the charity has had a profound impact on men separated from their children.
“We have had a major impact,” he added. Some men who come to us have not seen their kids for many years — one we worked with had not seen his for three years. Now he can see them every other weekend.”
“The charity helps men, physically and mentally, to see their children. Some dads who come to us are on the verge of suicide. Not all of them can afford the court system, but the law states they have equal rights and we instil this into parents.”
On being nominated for the Best Social Eenterprise and Best Innovation awards, Nathan said: “I’m amazed. It’s mind-blowing. There are 30 per cent more nominations in this year’s awards and it’s narrowed down to four finalists in each category. It is an amazing feeling. It would be great to win recognition for helping Dads Advocates.”
Nathan hopes by being finalists the charity will gain more recognition.
“We look out there and there is little funding for dads’ charities,” he said. “Everything we do is self-funded. I hope with recognition organisers will see a good cause.”
Nathan accepts that dads’ charities have not had the best image, adding: “Fathers 4 Justice did a good job to start with, but went the wrong way about it. Hopefully, this recognition will give a more positive image to father’s charities.
“Being finalists will have a good positive impact to hopefully bring more funding. We can get rid of the stigma and help change the system so it’s fairer. It should always be in the best interests of children.”
Dads Advocates was founded by Nathan following his personal struggles in gaining custody of his children following a court process, in which he faced false allegations. The charity provides support for men by helping with access to legal aid, therapists, domestic abuse help, and advocacy, as well as one-to-one mentoring.
If you need support go to www.dadsadvocates.com
