Healthy Masculinity Leaders Programme
A bespoke student-led programme that mentors a group of up to 20 male students to become positive role models within their school community.
Through training, discussion, and collaborative project work, students explore the pressures shaping boys’ behaviour today and develop the confidence to promote healthier expressions of masculinity among their peers.
By the end of the programme, students will:
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Act as positive role models, demonstrating respectful and
healthy expressions of masculinity.
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Develop the confidence to challenge harmful behaviours and attitudes in constructive and compassionate ways.
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Gain the skills to design and deliver small social action projects that promote healthier peer norms within their school.
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The programme includes:
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​1. Leadership Training
6 training sessions are delivered with a group of up to 20 student leaders, developing their understanding, confidence, and leadership skills.
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​2. Student Social Action Projects
The programme culminates in student-led projects designed to promote healthier masculine norms and positive behaviour across the school community.
STUDENT REFLECTIONS...
“I'm now in a better position to be able to guide other boys and men to embrace their masculinity without it being harmful to others or themselves.”
“I've enjoyed learning about what positive masculinity actually means and not what it's thought to mean e.g completely losing everything masculine about you.”
“Before the sessions, I used to think that positive masculinity meant becoming more feminine and limiting masculinity, whereas now I understand that you can be masculine and positive together”.
Year 10s, Epsom College
The pilot version of the programme came to a close in April 2024, with the second iteration launching at Epsom College in September 2024. Read the pilot's impact report here.
Chris Filbey, Assistant Head at Epsom College, said:
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“Our society has reached the point where young men and boys are struggling to articulate what is good about being a man. Therefore, at Epsom, we are aiming to be proactive in promoting and fostering positive, healthy masculinity rather than being reactive to issues that arise.
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Supporting young men and boys to talk about their mental health, helping them when they are struggling, but also promoting positive wellbeing, developing character and thus building resilience, are all essential.”
