Young men in Cornwall celebrate major milestone at A Band of Brothers Homecoming Ceremony
A Band of Brothers (ABoB) Cornwall hosts its next Homecoming Ceremony today (Wednesday 3rd December), celebrating the completion of its three-month Rites of Passage programme - a transformational journey designed for young men aged 18–25 who are in, or at risk of entering, the criminal justice system.
Young men in Cornwall celebrate major milestone at A Band of Brothers Homecoming Ceremony
A Band of Brothers (ABoB) Cornwall hosts its next Homecoming Ceremony today (Wednesday 3rd December), celebrating the completion of its three-month Rites of Passage programme - a transformational journey designed for young men aged 18–25 who are in, or at risk of entering, the criminal justice system.
-min.jpg)
The programme combines an immersive residential weekend, consistent one-to-one mentoring, and weekly group circles. Together, these experiences help young men develop emotional resilience, self-awareness and a sense of meaning - qualities many have never previously been supported to cultivate.
ABoB’s work is proven to lead to long-term change:
• significant reductions in criminal or violent behaviour
• improved mental health and emotional regulation
• stronger family and peer relationships
• increased employment or training opportunities
• better community integration and stability
The Homecoming Ceremony is the culmination of this journey - a moment for families, friends, mentors and community members to formally recognise the young men’s courage, progress and personal growth.
One of the young men described the experience as transformative: “For me, the Homecoming Ceremony was a truly powerful and joyful experience. I had been on a journey that allowed me to connect with my emotions in a healthy way, which I had never truly experienced or understood. The Homecoming Ceremony welcomed me back into my community, allowing me to be seen and heard without judgment or shame, and allowed me to be witnessed by others and accepted for what I’d been through.”
Sam Galsworthy, Previous High Sheriff of Cornwall, says: “A Band of Brothers stands out because it tackles the root causes of harm, trauma, disconnection, and lack of belonging - rather than the symptoms. Over the past year, I’ve seen first-hand the extraordinary commitment within our police and criminal justice services, and it has strengthened my belief that prevention and rehabilitation must sit alongside enforcement.
"What ABoB offers these young men is nothing short of transformative. They are given the mentoring, accountability and emotional support many have never had. The Homecoming Ceremony shows what is possible when a community chooses to re-welcome, rather than write off, its young people. It is a privilege to be part of it.”
The ceremony will also offer opportunities for the media to speak directly with the young men and their mentors, meet organisations involved in youth support, and learn more about how ABoB Cornwall operates, is funded and is sustained by trained volunteers.
For more information, visit https://abandofbrothers.org.uk/contact/






