If you’ve never heard of Dads House before, you’re not alone. It’s one of those brilliant organisations quietly getting on with the job of supporting families, without shouting about itself from the rooftops.

Dads House is a UK charity set up to support fathers — especially single dads — and their children. Its core aim is simple but powerful: to keep children at the centre of family life after separation, divorce or bereavement, and to make sure dads have the support they need to stay involved, capable and confident.

Founded in 2008 by Billy McGranaghan, himself a single father, Dads House grew out of lived experience. When Billy found himself navigating parenthood alone, he realised just how little tailored support there was for dads. So he built something practical. Something welcoming. Something grounded in real life.

Today, Dads House operates as a community hub offering food support, legal guidance, wellbeing activities and social connection — all focused on helping fathers and families thrive.

Why It Was Set Up

There’s a quiet assumption in society that dads will “just get on with it”. That they’ll cope. That they’ll manage.

But separation, court battles, financial strain, loneliness and parenting alone can hit hard. And while there are plenty of services aimed at families more broadly, fathers — particularly single fathers — often struggle to find support designed with them in mind.

Dads House was created to fill that gap.

It was built on the idea that when dads are supported, children benefit. When fathers have access to advice, food, community and guidance, they’re better equipped to show up for their kids.

And crucially, it’s not just about crisis response. It’s about prevention. It’s about connection. It’s about giving dads a place where they feel understood rather than judged.

What Dads House Actually Does

One of the things I really respect about Dads House is that it doesn’t just focus on one area. It tackles the practical and emotional sides of fatherhood at the same time.

Here’s what that looks like in real terms.

Food Bank Support

Dads House runs a long-standing foodbank service that’s open to any family supporting children — not just dads. You don’t need vouchers or referrals. If you need help, you can access it.

With the cost of living still biting hard for many families, this service provides an essential safety net. It’s straightforward, dignified and community-focused.

Family Law Clinics

This is a big one.

Navigating the family court system can feel overwhelming, expensive and confusing. Dads House runs pro bono family law clinics, offering free legal guidance from experienced professionals. That includes help with divorce, child arrangements and related matters.

For many dads, this kind of advice simply wouldn’t be affordable otherwise.

Dads Table And Peer Support

Then there’s the human side.

Dads Table is a regular meet-up where fathers can talk openly in a relaxed setting. No formal agenda. No pressure. Just conversation and shared experience.

They also organise social activities — from football to music sessions — because sometimes what you need most isn’t paperwork help, it’s connection.

Health And Wellbeing

Looking after your mental and physical health can slide down the priority list when you’re juggling parenting and life admin.

Dads House runs wellbeing sessions, including yoga and other activities designed to help dads recharge. It’s not flashy. It’s just practical support in a welcoming environment.

Drug And Alcohol Testing Services

In partnership with Cansford Laboratories, Dads House provides a drug and alcohol testing collection service. It’s offered in a supportive setting and can be important in legal or personal circumstances where clear results are needed.

The key thing here is that it’s handled professionally and respectfully.

Buddy Service And Trips

They also offer one-to-one buddy support and organise occasional trips for dads and children. These experiences help rebuild confidence and create positive memories — something that can be especially meaningful during difficult transitions.

Who Can Use Dads House?

Dads House supports fathers in need, particularly those parenting alone or navigating separation.

However, it’s important to note that they have clear safeguarding boundaries. They do not support individuals charged with physical or verbal abuse of children or partners. They also maintain strict standards around behaviour within the space — no discrimination, violence or racism is tolerated.

That clarity matters. It keeps the environment safe and focused on genuine support.

How To Get Help: Contact and Location

Dads House operates from:

Dads House
22 Lillie Road
London SW6 1TS

This is their main hub in West Brompton, where face-to-face services take place, including the foodbank and community sessions.

If you’re looking for help, it’s refreshingly simple.

You can:

• Email: info@dadshouse.org.uk
• Call: Billy McGranaghan on 07765 183504
• Visit: During foodbank opening hours (Tuesday to Friday, 10am–1pm)

If you need support beyond the foodbank — such as legal advice or joining a group — it’s best to contact them first to find out timings and availability.

There’s no complicated referral system. No endless form-filling before someone speaks to you. Just real people answering calls and emails.

How Dads House Is Funded And Governed

If you’re considering using Dads House — or supporting it — it’s helpful to understand how it operates behind the scenes.

Dads House is a registered UK charity (Charity Number 1129443). That means it is regulated by the Charity Commission and must meet clear standards around governance, safeguarding and financial transparency.

Like many community charities, it relies on a mix of donations, fundraising and volunteer support to deliver its services. Much of the work — particularly around foodbank provision and community sessions — is made possible through local support and individual contributions rather than large-scale corporate funding.

Because it operates as a charity rather than a private service, most of its support is offered either free of charge or at minimal cost. The family law clinics, for example, are delivered on a pro bono basis by qualified legal professionals volunteering their time.

The organisation also has clear safeguarding policies in place. It maintains behavioural standards for anyone accessing or participating in activities, and it sets boundaries around who it can support. This helps ensure that services remain focused on child welfare and family stability.

For anyone wanting to check details, its charity status and filings are publicly available via the Charity Commission website.

Understanding this structure is useful because it highlights two things:

• First, services are community-supported and designed to be accessible.
• Second, Dads House operates within formal regulatory frameworks — it’s not an informal meet-up group, but an established charitable organisation with accountability and oversight.

If you’re reaching out for help, volunteering, or donating, you’re dealing with a registered and regulated body that has been operating since 2008.

Getting Involved And Supporting The Work

You don’t have to be a dad to support Dads House.

They rely heavily on volunteers and community backing. That might mean helping with foodbank operations, offering professional expertise, fundraising, donating supplies or simply spreading the word.

If you’ve got time, skills or resources, reaching out directly is the best first step. They’re open to conversations about how people can contribute.

Community-led organisations survive because people believe in them. Dads House is very much one of those.