Posted on: Tuesday 9 December 2025
A father who completed Torfaen Council’s For Dads By Dads parenting programme is now supporting other families.
Lewys Webber, 33, from Pontypool, joined the 10-week programme in September, as he prepared to become a first-time dad, eager to gain knowledge, tips and support for his journey into fatherhood.
He now uses his employer's volunteer days to support REACH - another local parenting support group, based in Cwmbran.
Lewys, who works as a graphics and web designer, said: “After taking part in the fantastic For Dads By Dads programme, the least I could do was give back to a cause that truly deserves it.
“Groups like REACH do incredible work on limited resources. Having not grown up in a nuclear family myself, I know how invaluable these support services are for families and children who need them.”
Lewys has created a website for the organisation and social media content to help promote the group.
REACH - Re-Framing Emotions and Anxiety in Children - is a non-profit organisation which hosts monthly meetings at The Three Blackbirds, Cwmbran, for parents and carers of children and young people up to 25.
Meetings take place on the second Wednesday of each month, with the next meeting taking place on 10th December, 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
Co-founder Sue Elson, a former teacher from Cwmbran, said: “As parents, we know first-hand how isolating and worrying it can feel when your child faces mental health challenges. Knowing you’re not alone and that others understand can be a huge relief.
“With greater visibility and support, we hope REACH will grow from a small community group into a fully constituted organisation, helping even more families across Torfaen. A big thank you to Lewys for all his help.”
Cllr Fiona Cross, Torfaen Council’s Executive Member for Communities, said: “This is a fantastic example of how residents who engage with our services are finding new ways to give back, and how employers, the council, and local groups can work together to make a real difference.
“It demonstrates the wider work happening across the borough to strengthen community support through the Torfaen Deal, with REACH standing out as a true community-led service – created by the community, for the community.”
Both Lewys and the team at Reach were supported by Gareth Wall, Torfaen Council’s Lead Parenting Officer, who helps parents across the borough access the support they need, as well as developing supportive parenting community groups.
If you’d like to join a network that supports other parents, or receive training to help you offer support to families in your community, email gareth.wall@torfaen.gov.uk
For more information about REACH, find them on their brand new website: www.reachmentalhealth.co.uk
Connecting individuals and communities is one of the ways the council is changing it's approach to service delivery.
You can have your say on the plans for a new Torfaen Deal here: The Torfaen Deal | Get Involved Torfaen