James Bray, Falmouth, 26   How did you find out about abob? I was part of a group down here in Cornwall that supports young parents because I have two children, and Luke Keast is part of it and also part of abob. I was going through challenges with my mental health and he recommended joining abob.   Did you … Read More

Connor, 24, was in abob Cornwall, now lives in Sheffield. How did you find out about abob? I actually found out when I was at college and about 16 or 17. James – one of the abob Cornwall leaders – was doing a Remembering Our Roots workshops and he told me. But it was a year later when I bumped … Read More

Aaron, 31, bricklayer, Hastings How did you know about Abob? I was in Lewes prison and Neil (the engagement officer for Hastings abob) was doing a Family Day in there. He’s a nice guy but I ignored any info about abob the first time I met him. But I was aware that I was in a vicious circle of leaving … Read More

Kieran, 22, Leamington   How did you know about abob? My drugs counsellor told me. I wanted to check them out and see who they were. I met up with Ben Philips and there was something about them and him that felt safe. That was my main criteria.   What were you looking for? Help, support, friends, someone who cared. … Read More

Smithy-Jai, 20, Leamington   How did you know about abob?  Jon Temple who is part of Leamington abob told me. He’s my sessional worker through social services. And my personal advisor told me too.   Tell us a little about your life?  I had a challenging upbringing. My mum was using drugs. I wasn’t safe at home, my nan called … Read More

You are a bit older than the usual young men? Yes, I fall somewhere in between. I went through the rites of passage weekend like one of the young men but my mentoring was more of a telephone check-up.   How did you find out about abob? The roadie from Duran Duran who is a friend, told me that I … Read More

How long ago is it that you did the Quest weekend? I actually did it seven years ago and am at this interesting juncture where I have transitioned from being a young man receiving support to an older man supporting other younger men. That feels significant. How did you know about abob? I was on probation in Brighton and it … Read More

Freddie, 22, student, Hastings How did you know about abob? I’d met an abob man, John Darling before. I was in the care system, I had foster carers and he’d been working with me before. He contacted my social worker and we took it from there. I went along to an open meeting in Hastings which was pre-Covid. We saw … Read More

Brandon, 19, Leamington Spa How did you know about abob? I was referred by my social worker to help me get off drugs. I met up with Jon Temple for a chat. I was in a place where I wanted to change but I didn’t know how to do it. So abob came along at the right moment. How was … Read More

Jordan, 23, tree surgeon trainee, Bristol How did you know about abob? I found out about them through JourneyMan – a rite of passage charity for boys – because I went to them when I was 15 and needed support. Being part of JourneyMan helped me make friends, keep them and trust men and abob carried that on. I used … Read More