The Problem

Evidence of a crisis amongst our young men is overwhelming.

Men account for 8 out of 10 people cautioned by the police, and nearly 9 out of 10 people found guilty for indictable offences are men. Men are responsible for 97% of burglary and 92% of violence against the person. Two thirds of all male offenders are under 30. Suicide is the second most common cause of death amongst men under 35. To deny that human violence and destructive aggression is predominantly a male
 phenomenon is to ignore the raw evidence.

Despite tough talk from politicians, the punitive approach is failing. Prisons, overflowing with young men, do not affect rehabilitation. Unparalleled levels of government investment, diversionary and treatment programmes have failed to make any major difference.

The UK now ranks last on international measures for youth wellbeing and social mobility. (See here for the report)

Besides National Service, many occupations (whole industries like mining, shipbuilding and steel production.) that once gave young men a sense of purpose, a chance to bond, a recognised structure and discipline, a place to belong, have been decimated or abolished.

Whatever your political viewpoint, the problem with young men is undeniable and of the greatest detriment to our society. A neglected young male can easily cost the state over £1,000,000 by the time he reaches the age of 40. By that time he will also have left a trail of both emotional and physical damage that will have harmful consequences for his family, the community and society at large.