Legal Advice Clinic

DadsHouse hold a weekly Family Law clinic offering practical and free legal advice. A fully functional law practice, it is led by Simon Bruce, Senior Counsel at Farrer’s & Co.  “One of the best family lawyers in the country” Chambers NHW 2020. This pro bono clinic has continued to run face-to-face appointments throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Furthermore, the DadsHouse clinic takes the approach that the way to help is to see a client all the way through the process, as opposed to a one-off consultation. Simon always holds practices with two students to provide unparalleled real life experience for those who are seeking to get involved in family law.

Football 5 a side

The DadsHouse football evenings run on Monday and Fridays and is one of the services that has been organised since the charity’s inception 12 years ago. 

The sport aims to build the foundations of friendships between the dads creating a support network between the fathers based on their shared experiences. Always packed, there are at least 12 different Dads there. Such is the friendly atmosphere that some of the children of the Dads have come to volunteer at the charity.  All are welcome. 

The Football club evenings encapsulate the holistic mission of DadsHouse: building camaraderie between fellow fathers, enabling exercise for the benefit of mental health, and providing the location and kit needed to make it all happen. The Dads keep in touch throughout the week and DadsHouse games on Friday also include several local young people.

Drug & Alcohol Testing

Since the formation of DadsHouse, William McGranaghan has provided a drug and alcohol testing service, which has continued throughout the coronavirus pandemic. 

The testing is available to all as part of DadsHouse mission to help families. This service has recently expanded to also include blood testing. The testing happens in a social setting giving fathers the opportunity to discuss their concerns and seek referral to the Law Clinic as needed.  Many fathers need these testing services in order to resolve visiting and spousal arrangements.   

Local Support Payments

For over 6 years, DadsHouse, in partnership with RBKC, has helped with the purchase of household and white goods.  For those that qualify, the Council pays for the cost of these purchases.  This has been particularly helpful for those that are disabled or housebound.

Buddy Service

Since the beginning, DadsHouse has run a buddy service. This provides a one to one consultation to support fathers. DadsHouse has helped over 10,000 fathers.

Mental Health Programs

DadsHouse has been offering life coaching for over 10 years. It is one of the programs that DadsHouse are hoping to restart post COVID-19 restrictions. This is aimed at those with level 1 depression and is orientated on listening and talking therapies.  Clients are also welcome at the breakfast clubs and at the sports events to help their recovery.

Food Banks

DadsHouse set up the Elephant and Castle food bank, advice and support centre in August 2019. The premises were provided at no charge by Delancey and enabled DadsHouse to run a food bank, drop-in centre, book club, guitar lessons, family law advice centre, life coaching, alcohol and drug testing. DadsHouse was initially supporting 50 families a week, but during the COVID-19 crisis this has risen to providing food and support for 800 families a week. The Elephant and castle food bank closed at the end of September 2020

The West Brompton food bank has been running since March 2020 and it still providing the full range of services. The premises are generously provided by Delancey previously the food bank was situated in the Old Brompton Road.

The West Brompton food bank operates in a similar manner to Elephant and Castle in that no food stamps are required, and food is given willingly to those who ask for it. Referrals come from the local council and other charities and voluntary organisations.

Patrons are asked to come once a week. The food bank stays COVID-19 secure by asking patrons to keep a distance while a DadsHouse volunteer or staff member will pack a bag full of food for them. As a delivery partner for the RBKC council, the West Brompton food bank also delivers to those that are vulnerable or shielding.

The food bank also provides other items for those in need, for example, clothes and baby equipment.  Recently we have set up a partnership with Pedal Bank Cycling, in Lillie Road, to donate bikes to some of our patrons.

Cooking with Dads:

Sometimes the responsibility of looking after your children as a single dad is overwhelming; DadsHouse has a fun YouTube channel showing simple dishes that Dads can prepare for their children.

Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club has been going for 7 years.  On Saturday mornings, fathers arrive with their children aged from under a year to 7 years old.  The Breakfast Club provides a mutual support network for fathers to share their experiences and help others.  

DadsHouse was highlighted in the House of Commons on 30th January 2019, by Rupa Huq MP, commending the work of DadsHouse in supporting fathers and their families. 

Rupa informed MPs of the work carried out by DadsHouse including the Breakfast Club, football sessions and buddying. The breakfast club is currently paused because of COVID-19 regulations, but we are hoping to re-start as soon as we are able.