Abuse:  The Forgotten Boys was founded to support men who were abused as children in institutions, by the very staff and statutory services meant to protect them.

Borstals. Care homes. Prisons. Schools. These were not safe places for many boys. Instead of care and support, they were places of fear, violence, and abuse. Staff abused their power, and boys were silenced, punished, and left to carry the damage for life.

But the boy never truly goes away. The harm done in those years lives on in the man today.

Sexual Abuse of Boys in Institutions:  Some boys suffered sexual abuse at the hands of staff in care homes, borstals, or other institutions. The betrayal by adults in positions of power left wounds that run deep, shaping the rest of their lives.

Sexual Abuse of Men:  Sexual abuse does not only happen in institutions or childhood. Many men have been raped or sexually abused by other men in later life. This is one of the least spoken-about forms of abuse, leaving victims silenced by shame, disbelief, or fear. At The Forgotten Boys, we name it for what it is and offer men a safe place to talk.

Domestic Abuse:  Some men also live with violence or control in their adult relationships. Male victims of domestic abuse are too often ignored or dismissed, but abuse in any form destroys lives. Every victim deserves to be heard and supported.

Our Work:  We stand with men who suffered abuse — as boys in institutions, or as men in their personal lives. Our work is trauma-informed and grounded in lived experience. We know the weight of abuse and we refuse to let men carry it alone.

The boy you once were, and the man you are now, both deserve to be heard.

Operation Deerness - Medomsley Detention Centre

Raising Awareness About Operation Deerness: Operation Deerness is the dedicated investigation led by the Prison and Probation Ombudsman into the abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre near Consett. This ongoing inquiry seeks to uncover the truth, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure justice for those who suffered.

In the video below, Richard Tucker explains the purpose and scope of the investigation, shedding light on the commitment of the Operation Deerness team to support survivors and uncover systemic failures.

If you have been affected by the events at Medomsley or have information to share, your voice matters. The investigation team is here to listen and take action.

Contact Operation Deerness:

• Email: ppomedomsleyinvestigation@ppo.gov.uk
• Call/Text: 07511 165 266
  

Your story can help bring justice and change. Together, we can ensure no one is forgotten.

Support for Those Affected by Operation Deerness: At The Forgotten Boys, we are proud to be one of the recognised support organisations for Operation Deerness. We provide tailored, trauma-informed support to men who have been affected by the abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre, as well as to their families. If you or someone you know needs additional support, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Contact Lewis Gell:

• Email: lewis.gell@theforgottenboys.co.uk
• Phone: 07359 494999

We’re here to listen, to help, and to ensure no one faces this journey alone.