TESTIMONIALS
Jody Pearson
Parent – Under 8's Community Boxing
“I just want to say the deepest and most heartfelt thank you to Gracjan, Kevin, and Dorian for putting their time, care, and energy into organising these weekend classes.
All three of my boys have taken part, and I honestly can’t put into words how much it’s done for them — and for me. They’ve come out of their shells in ways I never expected, making real friendships, growing in confidence, and just genuinely enjoying themselves.
At first, I was nervous. With it being a mixed class, I wasn’t sure how my boys would engage. But I’ve watched them thrive in this space — not just physically, but emotionally too.
What really moved me was seeing that you’d included a therapist as part of the delivery team. That meant more than I can ever explain. I had two one-to-one sessions with Po, who my boys absolutely adore. She helped all of us — not just my children, but me as a parent too.
Those conversations gave me the courage and clarity I needed to face some really difficult things happening at school with my boys.
You’ve all created something really special here — not just boxing classes, but a lifeline for families like mine. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Escobarbers Bedford
Parent – Under 8's Community Boxing
“We recently took part in the Men’s Mental Health Band of Brothers Suicide Awareness Training, and it’s something that truly changed the way we see things—not just as barbers, but as men.
We’re a group of barbers here in Bedford, and when the Project Manager from Samsons Academy came to visit us, he helped each of us get set up on our phones to complete the Let’s Talk About Suicide training. It was simple—but powerful.
Many of us had watched We Are England: The Barbershop on BBC1, and seeing it brought things home in a way we didn’t expect. It was a wake-up call. You never realise just how many men around us—men like us—are silently struggling. It was shocking, but also strangely comforting to know we’re not alone.
Thanks to Samsons Academy, what used to be an awkward or avoided subject is now something we’re talking about openly. It’s helped us face a few demons of our own, and look out for each other—and our clients—more than ever.
Thank you for giving us the tools and the courage to speak up. You’ve made a difference.”
Louisa
Parent of a Young Person who accessed the Mentoring Service
“A year ago, I was at breaking point. My son was on the verge of being excluded from school, just months away from his GCSEs. As a parent, I felt I was losing him — and truthfully, I was close to giving up. It felt like his last chance, and I was terrified.
Then, we were introduced to Samsons Academy through PC Sam Robinson, a community-based police officer who saw something in my son that so many had overlooked. From that moment on, everything began to change.
Words will never be enough to thank Kevin Rudder, one of the incredible Community Engagement Advocates, and Terri List, who ensured my son could access their in-house therapist. And Dorian — the COO — found a way to secure funding even after the project had closed, just so my son could continue to get the support he needed. That kind of belief and dedication is rare.
Today, my son is unrecognisable — in the best possible way. He sat his GCSEs, and now he’s doing his A-Levels. None of us imagined this would be possible a year ago. And I want to give a special thank you to Dr Lianna, one of the Trustees, who went above and beyond by sharing materials from her undergraduate History course. It sparked something in my son — a real sense of purpose. For the first time, he knows what he wants to do with his life.
Samsons Academy isn’t just a gym. It’s a lifeline. A place where young people are seen, heard, and believed in. They gave my son his future — and gave me my son back.”
TESTIMONIALS
Honestly, without the support of the men’s projects, a lot of us wouldn’t still be here today. That’s the impact they’ve had — they’ve given us hope when we thought we had none.”
Gracjan Sabon
