A mentoring programme for teenage boys in Frome is inviting residents to an information evening to learn more about its work and how it supports young people to grow into healthy young men.
Journeyman Frome, part of the national organisation JourneymanUK, will be hosting the free event at the Cheese and Grain on Thursday 19th June, from 7pm to 9pm.
For 15 years, JourneymanUK has been mentoring teenage boys on their journey to adulthood, and in 2021 helped a group of dedicated local men set up a new space for boys aged 13 to 18 in Frome.
Parents have spoken about the benefits of the programme. One mother said, “I’m so happy that my son is part of the Journeyman community in Frome – a mentoring resource so badly needed.
“He has benefited greatly from sharing things that matter to him in an authentic and safe way, and developing multi-age, male friendships that are not only based around banter or competition.”
The sessions are held in a safe and supportive environment, where boys can share experiences, express themselves and explore who they are – and who they want to be – guided by trained male mentors.
“It’s a real antidote to the online world and a bridge between family and adult independence. It’s a journey for the boys, and us, in the best sense of the word,” explained mentor Ed Bartrum.
The organisation says the recent Netflix TV drama Adolescence, speeches by Gareth Southgate, the Lost Boys report and attention from the government, as well as wider discussions about young men’s mental health, all point to the need for teenage boys to have positive, engaged, male role models.
“The media attention around the crisis facing our teenage boys highlights a reality that we’ve known about and been working with for decades,” said Max Fyfe, CEO of JourneymanUK.
“While the media focuses on the problem, we want to highlight the positive work and solutions that engaged male mentoring can offer.”
Frome mentors are keen to raise awareness of Journeyman’s presence in the local community and ultimately engage more boys. During the information evening, attendees will hear from leaders within the organisation as well as boys, mentors and parents of boys who have attended Journeyman activities.
For more information, visit www.journeymanuk.org or email frome@journeymanuk.org.
Pictured: A Journeyman group meeting
