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Real stories

Not testimonials. Turning points.

Every name is preserved as the person wished, some anonymous, some public. Every word is theirs.

Some of these stories describe suicide, self-harm and bereavement. If you are struggling right now, our urgent help page lists free UK support lines.

Cllr Lamara Fudge with Rob Prior.
"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
"His approach to addiction recovery is fresh and positive, if you're ready to engage, put the effort in and be honest with yourself and others. I'm five days clean and knowing I've got this man on my side, knowing he knows the score and really understands, makes a big difference. Not someone with no real experience talking at you from a book. However bad things may seem or feel, there's support, there's care, and there's always light at the end of the tunnel."
Russell A.
Portsmouth
"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 Initiative 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 Initiative 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 Initiative participant
Hampshire
"I just want to say how much respect I've got for what Rob is doing with Sidekick initiative. What he's built isn't just a page, it's a place where people, especially men, can feel like they're not on their own. A lot of men struggle in silence and never say anything, and Rob is trying to change that by getting people talking, checking in on each other, and reminding people that it's alright to not be alright. Rob is one of the good ones. He genuinely cares, he gives up his time to help people, and he's doing it for the right reasons. You don't see enough of that these days. Sidekick initiative is about support, community, and looking out for each other, and I think that's something a lot more people need in their lives. If you're struggling, feeling stressed, or just not yourself, don't sit there and deal with it on your own. There are people out there who care, and this is exactly what Rob is trying to build with Sidekick initiative, somewhere people can talk, be heard, and feel like someone's got their back."
Martyn Willis
Facebook review, 29 March
"Firstly - Rob has been there and done it. He has fought (and still fights) his own demons, which is why Sidekick initiative is a real breath of fresh air. Rob and Sidekick will help anyone with anything. Literally anything. I hadn't even spoken to rob in years, but as soon as he heard that I was doing the Goggins challenge, he sent me a load of voice notes with loads of advice and offered to help me out in loads of different ways - thats the sort of bloke he is, he will help anyone with anything, no matter what he is going through himself. I think Sidekick is also a platform to help Rob through his own struggles, and that is why it really works. Togetherness is what we need, and togetherness is what you get with sidekick. I'll hopefully see you really soon, Rob. hope you like the picture of you tattooing me back in the day!"
Jack Edwards-Lawlor
Facebook review, 17 April
"In 2019, after a long mental health crisis, I was at a loss! Suicidal, newly divorced, a double masectomy for cancer prevention and not sure where my life was going. I was new single Mum to two young boys.....I had always worked & grafted. But, the prospect of doing everything solo, including an income for my Sons and I, was truly terrifying. I had an idea of starting some sort of "service" for everyday people to support them with everyday chores! With Rob's guidance and support he helped give me the confidence to start my business Time Rescuer. I will always be grateful for Rob for his time and advice. Teaching me about "content" and social media, which is a minefield at times..... Time Rescuer is now 7 years old and thriving. Thank you Rob!!!!"
Emma Sunderland
Facebook review, 20 March
"Rob says what other people are scared to say."
Community member
Hampshire
"He makes mental health feel human."
Sidekick Initiative 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 Initiative 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