Case Study

A BAND OF BROTHERS

Thanks to the support of CAF Private Clients, A Band of Brothers can help more young men make the difficult journey from a prison cell to a life with purpose.

ABOUT A BAND OF BROTHERS

A Band of Brothers (ABOB), supported by CAF Private Clients, was established by a group of men who are passionate about the importance of mature masculinity, committed to positive social change through personal development and community building. 

Since ABOB's conception in Brighton, communities have been created in Eastbourne, Crawley, Oxford, Haringey and Cornwall. They now have over 150 trained mentors and have worked with over 170 of the UK's most excluded young men. Find out more from Joanna Walker, Head of Private Clients, in her blog as she tells us more about her inspirational visit to the ABOB community in Brighton.

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THEIR AIM

The Trouble with Men: Men account for 8 out of every 10 people who are cautioned by the UK police, and two thirds of male offenders are under 30. Suicide is the second most common cause of death amongst men under 35. Prisons overflowing with young men do not effect rehabilitation in a world where many occupations, that once gave young men a sense of purpose, a chance to bond, a recognised structure and discipline, and a place to belong, have all but disappeared. With all of these multiple problems, a neglected young man can easily cost the state £1 million by the time he is 40. ABOB aims to stop that problem by giving young men a sense of purpose, belonging and rites of passage which enables them to mature into the responsible and positive adults they want to be, and that their community needs. 

THE PROGRAMME

The unique contemporary rites of passage offered by ABOB combine an intensive weekend course, personal mentoring and group meetings to inspire men to feel purposeful and confident, following the motto "you are loved for who you are now", to remind young men that they don't have to change to be loved. While building self-esteem takes time, ABOB's intense mentoring, regular, reliable and non-judgmental weekly groups ensure the results are incredible and are maintained.

The programme is intense because it has to be. If these young men are living dangerous lives, an experience that doesn’t match that intensity and adrenaline will have no impact.

Dan Hartley Head of Operations - A Band of Brothers

Want to know more?

Learn more from Joanna Walker, Head of Private Clients, as she visits ABOB and feels inspired by the incredible work that they do.

Read Joanna's blog
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