A Band of Brothers, a national charity dedicated to supporting young men through one-on-one mentoring, is establishing a new branch in St Austell, mid-Cornwall. This expansion comes as part of the charity’s mission to assist men aged 18 to 25 who have experienced traumatic childhoods and are at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system. With existing branches in Penzance and Falmouth, the charity aims to broaden its impact across Cornwall and beyond.
The charity currently boasts approximately 30 trained mentors in Cornwall, but as demand grows, they are actively seeking to recruit additional volunteers. In 2024, a notable increase in referrals saw the charity receiving 68 cases, marking a 30% rise from the previous year. Of these referrals, 55 young men have been successfully paired with mentors, underscoring the urgent need for more support.
Paul Priestley, a mentor in Falmouth for about 18 months, became involved with A Band of Brothers due to the lack of support for men with challenging backgrounds. He describes the transformative power of mentorship as a process that builds trust and connection.
"We get to sit in a circle, we get to look at each other, have eye connection and contact, and to be able to talk about what it is really like for us at the moment – our feelings, our thought processes, and how they're impacting us." – Paul Priestley
The charity's regional lead for the South West, Thurstan Crockett, is spearheading efforts to expand their reach. The establishment of the St Austell branch represents a strategic move to address areas with significant societal challenges.
"We are now seeding a new circle in St Austell and gradually starting to spread to other areas of the county where deprivation and problems in society are quite rife and where we can give more help." – Paul Priestley
Mentoring sessions occur weekly, allowing for consistent support and guidance. The charity's ultimate objective is to cultivate well-rounded individuals who can positively contribute to their communities.
"Another aspect I always feel wonderful about is that by helping these men we're making the wider community a safer place." – Paul Priestley
A Band of Brothers envisions a future where their services are accessible nationwide, meeting the needs of young men everywhere. The organization's commitment to this cause highlights the pressing issues surrounding criminality and the importance of providing essential support to those who might otherwise be overlooked.
"There's a lot of issues around criminality due to the fact men aren't supported and people are falling into communities of people that may not be conducive to a positive outcome in life." – Paul Priestley
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