Where connection and resilience grow through shared activity
Resilient Lives creates environments where men and young people build resilience through connection, meaningful activity and supportive community.
Why This Work Matters
Many men and boys are increasingly encouraged to be open about their wellbeing, yet there are still relatively few spaces where they feel safe practising those conversations with other men.
Positive male spaces can play an important role in helping men and boys reflect on identity, relationships and responsibility — supporting healthier cultures of masculinity that benefit both men and the communities around them.
Resilient Lives creates practical environments where connection develops naturally through shared activity, community and psychological safety.
“Given the rise in male loneliness and suicide and other mental health issues, it is probably time to look much more kindly on the case for male organizations, spaces and institutions.”
Alongside this, growing evidence shows that many boys are struggling long before adulthood. From the early years of school onwards, boys consistently fall behind girls in education, are more likely to be excluded from school and are less likely to progress into stable employment.
Recent UK research shows that only around 60% of boys are considered school-ready when they start primary school compared with 75% of girls, and boys achieve lower results than girls across most GCSE subjects. These trends continue into adulthood, with growing numbers of young men not in education, employment or training.
“Boys are struggling in education, more likely to take their own lives, less likely to get into stable work, and far more likely to be caught up in crime.”
The Resilient Lives Approach
Our programmes create environments where shared activity, connection and community help people build confidence and resilience.
Shared Activity
People work together on practical tasks that encourage cooperation, contribution and connection.
Psychological Safety
Our groups prioritise acceptance, humility and freedom from judgement so people can show up as themselves.
Food and Community
Sharing food creates welcoming environments where conversation and relationships develop naturally.
Positive Role Modelling
Respectful relationships and supportive leadership are modelled throughout our programmes.
Youth Engagement and Development
Practical programmes where young people build confidence, connection and a sense of purpose through shared activity and supportive environments.
Ways to engage
People connect with Resilient Lives in different ways and at different stages of life.
Employability and Experience
Supportive work opportunities and skills development through our Pizza Pirates social enterprise.
Men’s Programmes and Community
Programmes such as Dough Bro’s and Ageless Man where men connect and support one another.
Mentoring and Leadership
Participants supporting the next generation through mentoring and community leadership.
The Difference Our Work Makes
Our programmes help people build connection, confidence and a stronger sense of purpose.
Connection
Participants build supportive peer relationships and a sense of belonging.
Confidence
People discover new strengths through shared activity and contribution.
Responsibility
Participants develop teamwork, reliability and practical life skills.
Positive role models
Many participants go on to support others through mentoring and leadership.
Our Programmes
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Men's programmes and Community
Programmes such as Dough Bro’s and Ageless Man bring men together to connect, reflect and support one another.
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Youth Engagement and Development
Practical programmes where young people build confidence, connection and a sense of purpose through shared activity and supportive environments.
Much of this work focuses on young people who have struggled in traditional education or face barriers to employment.
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Employability and Experience
Through our Pizza Pirates social enterprise, participants gain real-world experience in supportive working environments.
About Resilient Lives
Resilient Lives is a community interest company working to strengthen connection and resilience in men and boys through practical programmes, employability pathways and supportive communities.
Who We Work With
We work with other CICs, charities, schools, youth organisations, community groups and local partners to create programmes that support men and young people to build connection, confidence and resilience.
Work With Us
We welcome partnerships with organisations that want to create meaningful opportunities for connection, growth and community.
We collaborate with schools, youth organisations, charities and community groups to create programmes that support connection, resilience and healthy relationships.