The Forgotten Boys is proudly delivered by Lived Experienced Practitioners

The Forgotten Boys are a support network dedicated to helping every man who has suffered abuse, sexual exploitation, and torture, as a boy within the UK Borstal System. We believe that every man deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling and successful life, free from the burden of their childhood trauma.



Our network support programme is designed to provide comprehensive assistance to help our clients achieve this goal. Sadly, many of these men have faced neglect by the very services that were meant to protect, nurture, and rehabilitate them, earning them the name "The Forgotten Boys."

Due to their experiences, all Forgotten Boys face unique challenges when seeking support from statutory services. They struggle to process the fact that those who are here to help them today may have organizational roots buried deep within the abuse they are trying to overcome.

Many of the Forgotten Boys suffer from PTSD and have experienced homelessness, addiction, and involvement with the criminal justice system. Consequently, they have difficulty trusting others and building successful relationships, and some have even taken their own lives.

At The Forgotten Boys, we offer support, as advocates and therapy to all men who have suffered from sexual violence, regardless of what age it happened to them.

While regrettable failures still exist in services that protect and educate children, we use our experiences and insights to help prevent such abuse from occurring in the future.

Our founding Director has a deep understanding of this struggle, as they endured abuse within the Borstal System as a child. Their first hand experience allows them to offer genuine empathy, compassion, and unwavering support to those seeking healing and justice. We offer support, advocacy, therapies, and legal pathways.

Sexual Violence against men: The Forgotten Boys extends a compassionate support to men who have suffered sexual violence. Our professional referral service is more than just a directory; it's a lifeline tailored to each individuals unique needs.

We offer a range of support services, including therapies led by seasoned professionals trained in trauma-informed care. Our support groups provide a safe space for survivors to connect, fostering community and understanding. Navigating legal and healthcare systems is be frightening, which is why our team provides advocacy support to ensure persons' rights are protected. We offer referrals to other organizations specializing in supporting men, ensuring access to a comprehensive network of resources.

At The Forgotten Boys, we understand the profound impact of empathy and compassion on the healing journey. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized support, empowering survivors to reclaim their lives with strength and resilience.

Partner Suicide Prevention and Bereavement: In times of profound loss and crisis, The Forgotten Boys offers empathetic support for men affected by a partners suicide loss or at risk of suicide. Our comprehensive services extend a caring hand to individuals navigating the complexities of grief and mental health challenges.

For men grappling with the devastating loss of a loved one to suicide, we provide a range of support options tailored to honour their unique journey through grief. Our compassionate team offer bereavement support, guiding men through the grieving process with empathy and understanding. We create a safe space for them to share their stories, find solace in shared experiences, and explore healthy coping mechanisms.

Recognizing the critical importance of suicide prevention, we offer support for those at risk of suicide. Our trained professionals provide crisis intervention, offering immediate support and assistance to men whose partners are in distress. We prioritize safety and wellbeing, empowering individuals to seek help and access resources to navigate their challenges.

At The Forgotten Boys, we understand the profound impact of loss and the urgency of suicide prevention. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized support, rooted in empathy, empowering men to find hope, healing, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Empowering Men Through Employment After Trauma: The Forgotten Boys is dedicated to empowering men on their journey back to employment after trauma. Two of our Directors became single dads after trauma. 

We understand that navigating the workforce can be challenging for individuals who have experienced trauma, and we are committed to providing tailored support to help them rebuild their families’ lives.

Our comprehensive services include skills development, career thinking, job and workplace support. We offer training programmes and workshops (HTE Programme) designed to enhance skills and build confidence in the workplace. 

Our empathetic team provide personalized guidance and support to help men identify their career goals and develop a plan for achieving them. We work closely with employers to connect men with job opportunities that align with their skills, interests, and goals. Once employed, we continue to provide support to ensure a smooth transition and successful integration into the workplace, an ideal provision for employers.

At The Forgotten Boys, we recognize the importance of meaningful employment in the recovery process. Our goal is to empower men to rebuild their lives, regain independence, and find fulfilment through gainful employment.

Please read more about our HTE Programme on the Practitioners page.

Legal Representation and Advocacy: We are dedicated to ensuring justice and accountability for survivors who  suffered abuse while in educational or correctional institutions as children. The Forgotten Boys provides professional legal representation, ensuring survivors' rights are protected and that their voices are heard. Through our advocacy efforts, we actively engage with policymakers and institutions to promote systemic changes that prevent future instances of abuse and exploitation.

Conclusion: The Forgotten Boys are a compassionate and results-driven support network that offers a comprehensive range of services to male survivors of abuse, exploitation, and trauma. By combining evidence-based therapies, positive activities, access to employment and education, and legal representation, we empower men to heal, thrive, and rebuild their lives.