Real stories
Not testimonials. Turning points.
Every name is preserved as the person wished, some anonymous, some public. Every word is theirs.
"Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting Rob Prior at the Cosham Community Kettle CIC. What an amazing man. Rob is currently taking on the 'Sofa to Summit' challenge, climbing Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike. We spoke about his mental health initiatives and the fantastic work he is doing in the community. I would highly recommend giving his page a follow and supporting his journey."
Cllr Lamara Fudge
Cosham
"Rob has genuinely saved my life. I lost my husband last April to suicide. It was the worst thing I have ever been through, but Rob checks in with me, gives me advice, and speaks to me in a way that is honest, down to earth, and real. I know it's hard to reach out, believe me, I know. But if you need support, advice, honesty, and someone who actually cares, then Sidekick is the place to go. Amazing."
Anonymous Sidekick participant
Hampshire
"Rob saw a post I had put on Facebook and reached out to check if I was okay. The truth is, I wasn't okay. I was at the point where I was going to take my own life. Rob called me, came and met me, and took me for a walk and a talk. He made me feel human again. He listened, spoke with me, and didn't leave until he had me laughing and smiling. He didn't have to do what he did, but he did it anyway. He cared when it felt like nobody else did."
Anonymous Sidekick participant
Hampshire
"For years I suffered with anxiety and depression, to the point where I couldn't leave the house. Rob came to my house, sat with me, listened, and helped me speak about my past. He set me weekly tasks to help me start moving forward. One of the biggest moments was walking down to the local shop where my daughter worked. The first thing she said was, 'Who died?' because she couldn't believe I had actually left the house."
Anonymous Sidekick participant
Hampshire
"Rob says what other people are scared to say."
Community member
Hampshire
"He makes mental health feel human."
Sidekick supporter
Hampshire
"This is lived experience with structure, not just a story."
Community partner
Hampshire
"He connects with people other services miss."
Local support worker
Hampshire
"Sidekick is real support and real conversations. No judgement, no script, just someone who actually listens."
Anonymous
Hampshire
"Rob doesn't talk at people. He reaches them."
Workshop attendee
Hampshire
"You can tell straight away this isn't textbook support. It comes from lived experience, and that is why people listen."
Community member
Hampshire
"Sidekick gave me the confidence to start talking again instead of bottling everything up."
Anonymous
Hampshire
"It's not just motivation. It's structure, routine, accountability, and someone who actually cares."
Sidekick participant
Hampshire
"Rob has a way of making people feel seen, even when they've spent years feeling ignored."
Anonymous
Hampshire
"Sidekick is different because it doesn't feel clinical. It feels real."
Community member
Hampshire
"He speaks from experience, but he also gives people tools they can actually use."
Workshop attendee
Hampshire
"Rob helped me believe I could move forward again."
Anonymous
Hampshire
"Sidekick reaches the people who don't normally ask for help."
Community partner
Hampshire
"This is the kind of support communities need more of, honest, direct, and human."
Local supporter
Hampshire