Charity is searching for mentors to help “self-destructive” young men rebuild their lives

A Band of Brothers, which usually meets in Haringey on Tuesday evenings, is seeking male volunteers or “uncles”, who are aged over 25.

The organisation typically hires men from all walks of life, including businessmen, filmmakers and actors.

They coach and help young men in the area who are going through difficult life situations or were previously in prison to integrate back into society and find work.

Ken Hinds, 55, is chairman of Haringey’s Independent Stop and Search Monitoring Group and is also a mentor for the charity.

He said: “We believe Haringey needs older men to step up and train as mentors and provide support as a way of giving something back and building more community cohesion.

“This support is overdue as a lot of men will deal with ex-prisoners who feel abandoned by older men and feel the respect level has gone.

“We offer a safe environment for people and it is important to show these young men that people are there for them who will not judge.”

Mr Hinds believes the most important aspect of being a mentor is “caring” about the men.

He said: “I am in my 50s and have a great deal of life experience, so I can empathise and understand what these men are going through, rather than a local authority who may not care as much.

“Certain people come to us as they may lack trust with the police due to their experiences with prison and the justice system in the past.

“We have nothing but so much love and support to give out and help our mentees become bigger and better men.

“It is important we give both ourselves and the men we help the space and time to evolve.”

To find out more information about how to become a mentor, visit: www.abandofbrothers.org.uk