Since 1974, Both Parents Matter have been key to shifts in the approach to family law, emphasizing the importance of a child’s welfare and the involvement of both parents in their upbringing.
As Families Need Fathers, we played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse around these legislative changes, contributing to the recognition of parental rights and responsibilities. Both Parents Matter continue to campaign at a national level to promote our cause.
Milestones
1. Founded in 1974 Families Need Fathers was founded in May 1974 at the Penn Club in Bloomsbury by Keith Parkin, Alick Elithorn and other concerned parents, to address the issues faced by fathers who were often excluded from their children’s lives after separation or divorce.
2. First support meeting The first support meeting for separated parents (called a “Walk-in Talk-in” meetings) took place shortly after at Conway Hall, home to the Conway Hall Ethical Society.
3. First National Conference 1976 This event brought together separated fathers, legal experts, and policymakers to discuss the challenges faced by non-residential parents (NRPs) and the importance of shared parenting.
4. Introduction of the Newsletter 1977 The first FNF newsletter was first introduced to provide information, support, and updates on legal matters to members. This newsletter became a key communication tool for the organization and now has over 13,000 subscribers.
5. First Regional Branches Established 1978 These branches provide localized support for fathers and helped to expand the reach of the organization across the UK. More than 30 local support meetings take place each month, with over 4000 separated parents helped through them each year.
6. Publication of the “Father’s Charter” 1984 This which outlined the rights and responsibilities of fathers and called for reforms to family law to ensure greater fairness for NRPs.
7. Children Act 1989 This legislation marked a significant shift in the approach to family law, emphasizing the importance of a child’s welfare and the involvement of both parents in their upbringing. FNF played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse around this legislation, contributing to the recognition of parental rights and responsibilities.
8. Introduction of the Helpline 1990s
During the 1990s, FNF introduced a telephone helpline to offer direct support to fathers in need of advice and assistance. This service became an essential part of the charity’s support infrastructure and now receives over 20,000 calls a year.
9. Lobbying for Legal Reforms 1990s-2000s
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, FNF became increasingly involved in lobbying for legal reforms in family law, particularly advocating for changes to ensure more equitable treatment of both parents in family court disputes and that the best interests of the child were prioritized, while acknowledging the crucial role both parents play in a child’s upbringing.
10. Registered Charity Status 1999
In 1999, FNF officially became a registered charity, which enhanced its ability to fundraise and expand its services.
11. Expansion of Online Resources 2000s
FNF expanded its online resources, including the development of a comprehensive website offering advice and guides and an online forum for members to post questions.
12. Launch of the “Both Parents Matter” Campaign 2005
This campaign aimed at promoting the importance of children having ongoing relationships with both parents after separation and divorce.
13. Support for Changes in the Children and Families Act 2014
FNF played a role in advocating for these changes, which included the introduction of a presumption that it is in a child’s best interests to have a relationship with both their parents.
14. Introduction of Online Meetings and Webinars 2020s
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, FNF introduced online meetings and webinars, allowing them to continue supporting parents despite the restrictions on in-person gatherings. Approximately half the meetings continue to be held online with the other half in person.
15. 50th anniversary 2024
In this milestone year, the board and membership resolved to change the name of the charity to Both Parents Matter, positioning it as the go to shared parenting charity for separated parents, policy makers and the judiciary.
