Masculinity in the Modern Age
A six-week programme for boys and young men
What does being a boy or young man mean to you? Where do those ideas come from, and how do they affect the way you see yourself and other people?
Masculinity in the Modern Age explores these questions through discussion, practical activities and private reflection. It gives boys and young men opportunities to consider the pressures they experience, the strengths they value and the choices they make.
There is no single right way to be a boy or a man. Courage, care and individuality belong in the conversation, alongside responsibility for how we treat others.
What the programme explores
The six sessions follow a connected path:
Identity — how we see ourselves and the expectations around us.
Influence — messages from friends, family, culture and online life.
Emotions — recognising feelings and how we respond to them.
Shame and anger — understanding difficult reactions without excusing harm.
Relationships and boundaries — care, respect and the difference between support and control.
Choice and agency — what we can influence, when we need support and what we want to practise next.
Who it is for
The programme is designed for boys and young men aged 11–21, delivered in age-appropriate groups.
We discuss suitability with the commissioning school, college or youth setting, including accessibility, existing support and the needs of the group. The standard programme is not specialist SEND or complex-needs provision.
How delivery works
Six weekly sessions, each lasting 60–75 minutes.
The preferred group size is 8–16. A school-class format of up to 25 may be agreed where suitable; groups of 17–25 require a second appropriately briefed adult. Smaller groups may also need additional adult support.
Before delivery, we agree staffing, safeguarding contacts and arrangements for anyone who needs to step out or seek support.
Taking part
This is educational group work, not therapy or crisis support. Participants can contribute without sharing personal experiences, and may choose to write, draw, think quietly or pass. Privacy and its safeguarding limits are explained at the start.
Pilot delivery
Masculinity in the Modern Age is available initially through commissioned pilot delivery. Feedback from these pilots will inform any refinements before wider availability.
Discuss a pilot for your setting
Tell us about your setting, the age group and what you would like the programme to address. We can then discuss whether a pilot would be suitable.
There is no need to send any detailed or identifiable information in your initial enquiry.