04 | July | 2019 | Researching Reform

Prime Minister Theresa May honoured single fathers charity DadsHouse and its founder Billy McGranaghan on Wednesday for the charity’s outstanding contribution to families.

DadsHouse received the Points of Light award, which is given to individuals making a difference within their communities and beyond.

Minister for Sport and Civil Society Mims Davies MP presented the award to Billy on behalf of Prime Minister Theresa May.

The event was held on the Day of the Single Parent which was also commemorated and hosted by Rupa Huq MP, and the All Party Parliamentary Group for Single Parent Families. Researching Reform was very kindly invited to the event.

Rupa gave the opening speech. She explained that the APPG’s aim was to celebrate single parent families, because “all families count,” she said. Rupa then introduced Mims, who talked about the incredible work DadsHouse was doing to support single fathers. Mims then gave Billy his award.

Billy gave a wonderful speech which included him singing a little – and then went on to talk about upcoming projects for the charity.

Special Guest Speakers included actress Michelle Collins, presenter Adrian Chiles and comedian Shappi Khorsandi.

Michelle spoke about what it was like for her mother bringing her up as a single parent, and also shared her own experiences as a single mother.

Adrian gave a touching speech about the everyday miracles performed by single parents across the country.

Shappi’s speech was also deeply moving, as she spoke about what it was like for her as a single parent and for others too. Her speech included her trademark sense of humour.