The Empower Programme
Location: Face to Face
Date: 2025 - 2026
Time: Time TBC
The Empower Programme uses a strength-based approach to help develop boy’s self-efficacy, emotional literacy and motivation. We provide a supportive environment for boys to engage in open discussions, use their voice and listen to the views of others. Also facilitating their voice to be heard beyond the classroom. We also support boys to explore their own identities and develop a healthy understanding of masculinity. In addition, the programme offers opportunities and support for schools to build upon the themes of the workshops.
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HOW LONG ARE THE SESSIONS?
2 x 2 hour workshops.
SUGGESTED COHORT SIZE:
1 class (up to 20 students)
HOW WILL THEY BE DELIVERED?
Delivered in person as 2 x 2 hour workshops. The programme can be delivered on consecutive days or spaced apart. We recommend leaving no longer than a week between each workshop.
The research informed programme uses a mixture of non-competitive activities and discussion to cover the following areas:
• Motivation – We use positive role models to support boys to better understand and improve their motivation.
• Valuing the voice of boys – We facilitate the views of boys to be heard within the school and beyond through activities and surveys.
• Masculine identities – We help boys to develop a healthy understanding of masculinity through guided discussions. Discussions which aim to motivate, inspire and challenge stereotypes.
• Emotional literacy – We create a safe and supportive environment where boys can share their thoughts and feelings though interactive and discussion-based activities.
• Self-efficacy – We use storytelling and discussions to support students to increase their belief in their own ability.
GATSBY BENCHMARKS: 1, 3, 8
PSHE FRAMEWORK: Health & wellbeing, Relationships, Living in the Wider World
YEAR GROUP: Suitable for Years 9-10
TARGET COHORTS: Male (Students must be Uni Connect or receiving free school meals)
SUGGESTED COHORT SIZE: Maximum 20 students
GETTING THE GROUP RIGHT:
Please use the below as a guide for selecting students to be part of the programme.
– Students must be Uni Connect students or receiving free school meals.
– Students might be low in confidence, disengaged, or beginning to disengage, in education.
– Students might not be progressing within education or reaching their full potential.
In addition, the programme offers opportunities for schools to build upon the themes of the workshops in the following ways:
• Offer of free staff training from Progressive Masculinity. Either at a central location or within school (subject to availability).
• The results of a Taking Boys Seriously survey shared with the school. With resources to support future changes.
• Opportunity to identify and measure area for change – Attendance or Behaviour.
• Invitation for staff and students to attend a free end of year event at a local university.
• Link to local Boys’ Impact Hub – A network of educators, researchers and practitioners who are dedicated to addressing the gap in educational outcomes for boys and young men who receive free school meals.
All workshops are free, can be integrated into your school day and are delivered by SUN facilitators, who are all Enhanced DBS checked.
Feedback from our 2024 workshops
“I think the program is really well put together and it makes me feel I can be more open about mental health and that I shouldn’t worry about what other people think”
Anonymous – STUDENT
“Helped me a lot and has encouraged me for future things”
Anonymous – STUDENT
“It was unexpected but interesting. Felt like something we needed”
Anonymous – STUDENT