The objective was to explore whether the gender identity of the worker makes a difference to developing good quality relationships between workers and young men, and to explore how gender interacts with other aspects of identity such as class and ethnicity. Transcripts of interviews and focus groups with young male and female service users, and with male and female staff, at support services in the United Kingdom, together with background information and documentation. The study explored what the concept of male role models means to young men in contact with welfare services and the professionals and volunteers who work with them. It examined whether the gender identity of the worker makes a difference to developing good quality relationships and how gender interacts with others aspects of identity such as class and ethnicity. In partnership with a national charity, "Action for Children", it explored professional relationships with boys and young men in a range of projects catering for diverse needs and vulnerabilities. It aims to contribute to academic and policy debates and to suggest ways of improving professional practice. The study includes focus groups and individual interviews with young male service users, and interviews with male and female workers. The study received ethical approval from the Open University Human Research Ethics Committee.

Semi-structured interviews and focus groups with a total of, of 93 participants and locations in England, Scotland and Wales, of whom 50 were young men, 14 young women, 12 male staff and 17 female staff.