Self-Identity
Challenging the Stereotypes
This small-group intervention supports boys to unpack the pressures and expectations often placed on them around masculinity. From “man up” culture to media-driven ideals, the programme helps students recognise and challenge the unhelpful messages they receive about what it means to “be a man.”
This six-week programme helps boys explore what it means to be a positive role model, both in school and beyond. Through small-group sessions, students are encouraged to reflect on the pressures they face, challenge unhelpful stereotypes, and build confidence in expressing themselves in healthy, respectful ways. The programme focuses on developing emotional awareness, positive relationships, and the confidence to make good choices — supporting boys to grow into respectful, resilient young men who contribute positively to their communities.
Objectives:
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• Raise awareness of what masculinity is — and how toxic versions can cause harm.
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• Challenge stereotypes around how boys 'should' act, feel, or treat others.
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• Develop emotional intelligence — including empathy, self-regulation, and expression.
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• Equip boys to safely challenge toxic behaviour in themselves and others.
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• Empower boys to be role models and lead change in their peer groups.
Working alongside students to better inform them, reflect on the pressures they face and the person they want to be.
Real Conversations, Real Impact
Through guided discussions and creative tasks, students explore the unspoken rules that shape how they express themselves — around strength, emotion, identity, and respect. Sessions encourage open conversation about issues like anger, vulnerability, relationships, and peer pressure.
Written and delivered by our Intervention Leaders
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All session are delivered to a targeted cohort over 6 weeks.
Building Emotional Literacy
A key focus is helping boys identify, express, and regulate their emotions — skills that are often underdeveloped due to stigma around emotional expression. Students learn that confidence doesn’t have to mean dominance, and that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Healthy Masculinity, Healthy Relationships
The programme promotes respectful, healthy relationships — with themselves, with others, and with school. It encourages accountability, empathy, and a deeper understanding of how behaviour affects those around them.
Navigating Success Together
Navigating Success Together
Using Video to Bring Ideas to Life
Video-based content is woven throughout the programme to help illustrate key themes in a relatable, engaging way. These clips support learning by showing real-life examples, spotlighting positive male role models from history and the public eye, and challenging unhelpful stereotypes. Whether it’s exploring courage, empathy, or standing up for others, the videos create a powerful springboard for discussion and reflection — helping students connect ideas to the real world.
Working with
Boys’ Impact brings together educational practitioners from across the UK. Established in 2023, the network takes an evidence-based approach to addressing the gap in GCSE outcomes for young men who are eligible for Free School Meals.
We undertake strategic activity in research, pedagogy, policy and practice to support the outcomes of young men in their local educational, social, and geographic contexts.
Creating Change, One Voice at a Time
This intervention offers boys the chance to rewrite the script — to define masculinity on their own terms and build a more authentic sense of self. It’s not about changing who they are; it’s about giving them permission to be their full selves, without fear of judgement.
