Toxic masculinity, a hot topic today, gets a mesmerizing treatment by Stephen Graham, known for his starring role in the independent film Adolescence. He’s going even bolder in a new direction with his new project. He’s recently announced a companion book for fathers that will inspire them to have more meaningful conversations with their sons. This important initiative arrives as conversations about fatherhood and masculinity are needed most.
Joe Swash, a prominent figure in British television and a father of six, is set to present a new documentary titled “Joe Swash: Forgotten Young Dads.” The program will air on Monday, October 20, at 20:00 BST on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer. Swash’s documentary explores the issues that young fathers face. It provides them a unique platform to share their experiences and insights.
On his travels, Swash captured the stories of four young fathers trying to find their way through the minefield of fatherhood. He urges honest conversation between young dads to be a priority. “And I just—I remember just feeling so fearful and vulnerable,” he opened up, connecting to his own experiences as a young father. Swash is passionate about breaking down the stigma around young fathers. Kevin Stoodley, a community youth worker with 27 years on the frontlines, is currently fighting this by doing some amazing work.
Stoodley, founder of North East Young Dads and Lads (NEYDL), is among those working around the clock to get adequate support into the hands of young dads. He concedes that young fathers are one of the most stigmatized demographics out there. In his view, most of them are seen as “feckless, disinterested and in some instances, a danger to their children.” Stoodley contends that this perception is almost always mistaken.
“I’d love to find out how many of them ‘absent dads’ are absent because they wanted to be, or because they were so vulnerable, scared and frightened that they had nowhere to go and had no support.” – Kevin Stoodley
The Office for National Statistics has just dropped some thrilling data to support that! Today, fathers are present for the birth of their child an average of 34 years. That would indicate a changing dynamic in fatherhood, as more men than ever are becoming fathers later in life. Yet, there is still an underserved population of young fathers who are challenged in their own ways.
Swash’s documentary chronicles these challenges as he encourages young dads to open up with one another. He challenged us all to shift the way society sees and values young fathers. Young families are worth a fresh approach. By raising awareness and promoting open dialogue, both Swash and Stoodley hope to foster a more supportive environment for young fathers.
Through NEYDL, Stoodley provides essential parenting and community support for young fathers, helping them build confidence and navigate their responsibilities. He emphasizes the importance of positive male role models for young fathers. Unfortunately, too many of these men do not have such role models growing up.
Swash himself faced similar challenges growing up. After losing his father at age 11, he felt he had no positive male role models to guide him through fatherhood. This personal experience would go on to drive his passion for supporting young dads today.
