‘NURTURING lads by empowering Dads’ is the aim of a Redditch charity set to launch next week.
Boys2Men, which has existed for six years under the umbrella of the town’s YMCA, gained its status as an independent charity in September 2015 but next Friday will see its official launch.
Sam Branson, son of business magnate Sir Richard Branson, will be on hand as guest speaker alongside ex-London gang-member Karl Lokko.
The charity was the inspiration of Phil Williams, a community worker employed by Christ Church Community Project and based in Matchborough.
Boys2Men was born following a conversation between Phil and a local headteacher who told him, in his opinion, the greatest need in the community was a positive role model, particularly for boys as they approach their teenage years.
Phil said: “Boys need a male role model and they often choose bad ones if there isn’t a positive male who cares for, disciplines and affirms them at home.”
The Boys2Men team works with boys aged 11 to 14 and their fathers, grandfathers or uncles on an initiative which includes trust-building activities such as camping, canoeing, climbing.
Thanks to a relationship with Ipsley RSA Academy, Walkwood Church of England Middle School, Birchensale Middle School and Church Hill Middle School, Phil and his team are put in direct contact with boys who can benefit from working with Boys2Men.
The charity has received backing from Steve Bennett, CEO of The Genuine Gemstone Company, and is supported by the group’s The Colourful Life Foundation.
Steve added: “When Phil approached me I was all ears – as he explained about his project and how he worked with families facing challenges, I was hooked.”
The launch will run between 2.30pm and 4pm at Christ Church, Matchborough.
