The mentoring group helping young men who are vulnerable to the criminal justice system

A Band of Brothers (ABOB) is a group of men, working to help young men in Bristol. The organisation itself grew from concern at the continuing escalation of self-destructive and anti-social behaviour among young men; and the identification that society does not provide many spaces that cater to this.

ABOB creates a community between young men who may be experiencing struggles and older men from their local community who are dedicated to helping them. The aim is to provide role models around healthy masculinity and the older men who contribute their commitment and wisdom come from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Whilst A Band of Brothers is a national charity, the Bristol branch has been running for five years. Mentor Patrick Tumilty said: "It's only in the past two years that we have really built momentum. It takes a lot of commitment; there are only a small number of paid staff in Head Quarters and then we are fully run by volunteers."

ABOB was developed specifically for younger men often from tough backgrounds. The idea is that the older men are in service to the younger men.

"Lots of different charities have lots of niches and we looked at an easy to ignore group and saw young men. Lots of men haven't had male role models.

"In society it's not seen as okay for men to express emotions but I know a lot of strong men in ABOB; and some of the strongest men are the most in touch with their emotions and can express their whole range of their emotions.”

The mentors emphasise that all parts of the men are welcome, whether it be issues they struggle with or their positive progress. And, they ensure to work with each mentee as an individual, looking at their needs and how they can be met specifically.

Patrick said: "Having positive relationships contributes to positive physical and mental health. Having a place to sit and talk and be accepted is so powerful and a lot of people don't have that.

"The changes we see are pretty amazing, it's life changing and the pleasure is that I get to see that change in real time."

Source: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/whats-on/mentoring-group-helping-young-men-7306953

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