The Empower Programme
Location: Face to Face
Date: 2026 - 2027
Time: Time TBC
The Empower Programme uses a strength-based approach to help develop boys’ self-efficacy, emotional literacy and motivation. It provides a supportive environment for boys to engage in open discussions, use their voice and listen to the views of others. It also facilitates their voice to be heard both within and beyond the classroom, while supporting them 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 12 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.
• Valuing the voice of boys – We facilitate the views of boys to be heard within and beyond the classroom through activities and surveys.
• Challenge & affirm masculine identities – We help boys to develop a healthy understanding of masculinity through guided discussions.
• Engage, meaningfully with boys – We use a strength-based approach to help develop boy’s self-efficacy, emotional literacy and motivation.
GATSBY BENCHMARKS: 1, 3, 8
PSHE FRAMEWORK: Health & wellbeing, Relationships, Living in the Wider World
Further details of the programme can be found in the Empower Brochure linked below.
YEAR GROUP: Suitable for Years 9-10
TARGET COHORTS: Male (Students must be Uni Connect or receiving free school meals)
SUGGESTED COHORT SIZE: Maximum 12 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 are those who you want to give a chance to express their views, and act on their responses.
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 2025/26 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
“To be confident and believe in yourself”“
Anonymous – STUDENT
“It was unexpected but interesting. Felt like something we needed”
Anonymous – STUDENT