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Rob Prior meeting the Mayor at a Sidekick Initiative event.
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New Volunteer Award: Rob Prior

Rob Prior, founder of Sidekick Initiative, won the New Volunteer Award on 6 October 2026.

Seven months into this chapter of Sidekick, the award marks a moment in a growing community built around lived experience, recovery mentoring, walks, movement and honest conversations.

Rob was shocked and overwhelmed. His children were there to see him win, which made the night especially important to him.

The next ambition is to build something bigger for the north of Portsmouth, with a balanced team of volunteers and more practical support for people who need it.

Volunteer with SidekickGet support
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In the newsThe News, Portsmouth ·

Founder Rob Prior wins New Volunteer Award 2026

Sidekick Initiative founder Rob Prior has won the New Volunteer Award at the Portsmouth Inspiring Volunteer Awards 2026, presented at the Kings Theatre on 6 October with his children watching from the audience. The News covers how, a year after coming home from prison, Rob restarted Sidekick from a single pop-up stand and turned it into daily recovery walks, check-ins, late-night conversations, gym sessions and more than 100 miles run during the September suicide awareness challenge. The next goal is a permanent 24-hour base in the north of Portsmouth and a volunteer team to carry the work forward.

"My kids got to see me win."

Rob Prior
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The News (Portsmouth) · 21 Sept 2026

Offshore worker finds unlikely way to cope with mental health through mountain climbing

By Lottie Keen

Danny Tolhurst, an offshore worker from Copnor, reached out to Rob from the North Sea when he was at his lowest. Walking together led to the Three Peaks, Mount Fuji, Mont Blanc and now a plan to carry the Sidekick flag up the Seven Summits.

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Portsmouth News · 18 Jun 2026

From prison cell to Three Peaks challenge: Portsmouth man turns his past into a force for good

Rob Prior speaks to Portsmouth News about his journey from prison to recovery, and how Sidekick Initiative is turning lived experience into community support.

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QA Hospital Radio · 18 Jul 2026

From rock bottom to recovery: Rob Prior's story

A long-form interview with Steve Rawcliffe on mental health, recovery and the work of Sidekick Initiative.

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Portsmouth News · 19 Aug 2026

From sober to Snowdon: man climbs Welsh peak only nine days after leaving hospital

Danny Brain, supported by Rob Prior and Sidekick Initiative, climbed Snowdon just nine days after leaving hospital, turning a personal crisis into a first step back into community and movement.

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