Who Let The Dads Out? case studies
1: The Lighthouse Project, Middleton
Have you ever wondered how to impact a community effectively? I have, and over 6 years ago I was
inspired to start a new type of Christian-based community work that would serve and support the
community in my local area. The Lighthouse Project is a drop-in community centre based in Middleton,
near Oldham. The project started in June 2010 and aims to provide a community resource that will
welcome and support people so that they can achieve, so that they can have weights and burdens lifted off
them, so that they can flourish and fly, just as God intended for them.
One of the guiding inspirations for me has been a verse from Isaiah 58:6: Is this not the fast that I have
chosen... to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free and that you break every yoke? (NKJV)
Our work is based around providing a safe and supportive space where people can come and get free
access to lots of different things that will build them up, give them skills or encourage them on in their life.
We offer many things such as basic computer and internet training, help looking for work and preparing
CVs, sending emails, art and craft sessions, benefit advice, healthy living drop-in sessions and much more
besides.
As a part of the core activities of the Lighthouse Project, we support families and family life, and having
previously volunteered at a Child Contact Centre, I was aware that there is often little provision in
communities for supporting dads or male carers in their parenting role. So when we were introduced to the
idea of setting up a Who Let The Dads Out? group, we jumped at the chance and got ourselves going just in
time for Father's Day on Saturday 18 June 2011.
Since first opening, numbers have swelled and ebbed and risen again, which seems to be a pattern for
many activities, but the one thing that remains constant is the enjoyment that the children get from
spending time playing with their dads, which dads appreciate. The group encourages play and social
interaction with the children while doing fun things, sticking stuff together and knocking things down,
especially the tumbling towers!
In September 2012, the Lighthouse Project Who Let The Dads Out? team enjoyed the privilege of hosting
the national conference in the centre, and it was very encouraging to see and hear of the growth of Who
Let The Dads Out? activities nationwide: it was an inspirational day.
For us, Who Let The Dads Out? is a great way of supporting our dads and definitely helps them and their
children to flourish, just like our heavenly dad wants.
Carl Roach
Development Director
www.lighthouseproject.org.uk/www.inspiremiddleton.org.uk
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