Age : 21

Number of children : 1

Name and age of child : Morgan, age 1

I found out about the Early Years Project from a friend who was also involved in the project and she told me about the Male Parents Team. She accompanied me to the base on the Woodvale Road and introduced me to the team leader Russell Scott, who explained the project to me in more detail. I found out that I had similar experiences to those already involved in the project. Then he introduced me to my project worker and we arranged a home visit.

On the first home visit I realised that we had a lot in common from previous experiences, the project worker was also around the same age as me and from sharing our experiences I was able to get a lot of my chest.

When I first learned that my girlfriend was pregnant I was frightened because it was a big responsibility rearing a child at the age of 20, I thought that I might not be mature enough and at that time I can honestly say it put a strain on our relationship. I felt very trapped because I had no-one to talk to who could understand what I was going through, whereas my girlfriend had her mother, sister and sister-in-law for support.

When I told my project worker this he reassured me that a lot of young men feel the same way: that's why it's so good to have someone there to talk to for help and support when you need it.

Michael Bryans ( male parent )