COMING SOON
Young Men Matter is being created to reach young men earlier. Not only when they are already struggling or in crisis, but during the months and years before, when difficulties with mental health, drugs, relationships, work, money and everyday life can begin to build.
IN MEMORY OF ASHLEY
Young Men Matter began in September 2026, following the unimaginable loss of Ashley at just 26 years old.
Ashley was a much loved son, partner, dad, brother and friend. He was funny, sociable and deeply loved, with a partner he was building a life and family with, a young son who absolutely adored him, and a huge circle of friends, many of whom had been part of his life since childhood.
He had so much in his life that mattered. People who loved him, people he loved, plans for the future and a little boy who thought the world of his daddy. But like so many young men, there were also things going on beneath the surface, and those struggles became more serious than all of us realised.
Ashley’s passing has left an enormous hole in the lives of the many people who loved him. It has also left us asking difficult questions. How can a young man be surrounded by love and support and still reach a point where none of it feels enough? What happens in the months and years before crisis? And what could we understand or do differently much earlier?
Ashley is at the heart of everything we hope to build.
Young Men Matter cannot change what happened to Ashley. But if his life, his experiences and what we learn from them can help us understand how to reach another young man earlier, then we want to try.
THE DECADE AFTER 18
Young Men Matter is specifically focused on young adult men from the age of 18 and through the decade that follows.
Turning 18 marks the legal end of childhood, but not the need for guidance, understanding and a helping hand at times. These years can bring enormous change, responsibility and pressure.
There are incredible charities, organisations, support groups and individuals supporting children and adults. But we believe this particular stage of a young man’s life deserves greater attention in its own right.
LISTEN FIRST
Young Men Matter will revolve around what young men tell us they want, not what we think they need.
We want to understand the pressures they face, what influences them, what they feel is missing and what they would genuinely engage with.
We don’t want to create something for young men and then try to persuade them to use it.
We want to build it with them.
BEFORE CRISIS
There is vital work being done to support people who are struggling or in crisis.
We want to ask what happens earlier.
Could better education, awareness and understanding around mental health, drugs and the pressures of adult life help young men recognise risks sooner?
Could reaching someone earlier prevent some problems from ever becoming a crisis?
Are we encouraging young men to accept something they don’t believe they need?
WHAT COMES NEXT?
We don’t yet know exactly what Young Men Matter will become, because deciding that without young men would defeat its purpose.
It could lead to education and awareness around mental health, work around drug related harms, resources, campaigns, community projects, partnerships, research or new approaches to prevention and early intervention.
Our work will begin in Maidstone and Kent, but we hope what we learn could eventually have a much wider impact.
Built by young men, for young men. With Ashley always at its heart.
GET INVOLVED
If you believe you could contribute to what we are building, we would love to hear from you.
GET IN TOUCHFOLLOW US
Follow Young Men Matter as we grow and be part of what comes next.
NEED SOMEONE RIGHT NOW?
Young Men Matter isn’t currently a crisis service, but there are people you can talk to if you’re struggling or need support right now.
SAMARITANS
Need someone to talk to?
Call 116 123 Free, any time, day or nightPAPYRUS 24/7
Struggling with thoughts of suicide?
Call 0300 102 2470 Text HOPE to 88247SHOUT
Would you rather text someone?
Text SHOUT to 85258 Free, confidential and available 24/7NHS 111
Need urgent mental health support?
Call 111 Available 24 hours a day