Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Can I firstly say that I started planning this short debate before my own paternal situation changed, so I'm not motivated purely by self interest in bringing some of these issues to this Chamber today?

I principally want to talk to you today about the Dads Can project in south-east Wales, which I first became aware of when I visited Monmouthshire Housing Association's headquarters earlier this year and got the chance to meet the excellent, dedicated staff based there. One of those, Katie Double, the Dads Can co-ordinator, introduced me to the project, its hopes, its aims and its success story. Katie is a passionate advocate for fathers everywhere and I know that there are—I can see you waving, yes—other members of the Dads Can team from Monmouthshire housing in the gallery today, so thank you for coming. Can I also say that this isn't about down-playing at all the necessary support that is out there for mothers? It's about filling a gap in support services where we think a gap exists. With statistics demonstrating that three quarters of suicides are by males, one in three children grow up without a father, divorce rates cost every taxpayer approximately £1,500 a year, and 15-year-olds are today more likely to have a smartphone than a father at home, Dads Can goes a long way in supporting families to become more stable and more cohesive.

The project primarily aims to address the gender inequalities experienced by dads through helping them to achieve a brighter future and to become positive role models in their children's lives. Dads Can reduces the impact of traumatic events experienced by families. Adverse childhood experiences create an increased risk to children's future development, and therefore the project focuses on breaking this generational cycle through emotional support and embedding positive behavioural change. The project uses a coaching approach to support dads in identifying solutions to problems they face such as low self esteem, mental ill health, relationship breakdown, access to children and negative lifestyle choices. A network of support has been created through peer mentoring, role modelling, advocacy and brokering relationships with local support providers. They also provide advice and guidance and opportunities to access family enrichment programmes.

Times are changing: traditional modes of masculinity have been replaced in favour of a more equal society. However, in many spheres, the role of fatherhood has too often been overlooked. Through providing support in non-judgmental and safe environments, dads are able to open up and discuss their problems, which they may not feel comfortable addressing in other fora. Now, as a result of services being often understandably mother-focused, some dads can feel isolated during their child's early years, so it's no surprise to find that a quarter of fathers experience depression in the first year, which almost always goes undiagnosed. Early years services are predominantly provided by females, creating a female-orientated environment—again, understandable in many respects, but this does mean that some dads find it difficult stepping into that environment. Dads Can's work of co-delivering some of these sessions means that dads have had effective engagement in these programmes.