All women deserve to be safe
An early intervention-based programme for 1 hour per week over a 6-week period, for aged 8-16 years, available to both Primary and Secondary schools across the Tees Valley.
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Young people learn about healthy relationships, not only with partners but with friends and families too, how to express their feelings in a healthy way, how to stay safe online, identifying good and bad secrets, safe sex and gender stereotypes.
​The team are seeing a common trend around toxic masculinity and a need for work with boys at secondary school age, educating them to raise awareness of violence against women and girls.
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Evidence shows that for many boys anger is the only acceptable emotion which is often used to cover a more powerful emotion such as sadness or shame. Being encouraged to suppress all other emotions can interrupt the emotional development of boys which can have a huge negative impact on their mental health. In general men report less depression than women but complete suicide at a much higher rate. There is a huge need for boys to be taught how to safely express all their emotions not only their anger.
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Through working in partnership with Dr Helen Williams of Sunderland University, a report has been pulled together to highlight the need for this work. This provides the evidence needed to strengthen our plans for a boy’s pilot to address this need.
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Please click the link below to read the report:
SCHOOL QUOTES
"Two brothers who were extremely chaotic, are now settled and calm in the session"
James* was referred to the Evolve programme due to his struggles with friendships. He comes from a home with very poor living conditions and suffers from neglect. James struggled to know how to act around others, often resulting in outbursts of rolling around on the floor and making unusual noises.
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The head teacher stated that these factors, along with him having holes in his clothing and poor hygiene, resulted in other children not wanting to be his friend and calling him names.
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By providing a safe space for James to be himself and educating him and his peers on the best ways to make and keep friends, how to treat each other and the effects of being unkind to someone. Explaining in fun and interactive ways about how everyone is different and we all have personal challenges and the meaning of respect and being mindful of this.
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James completed the program a much happier little boy. The worker stated "it was wonderful to see his face light up when he was included in friendship groups".
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The interactions between James and the others in the group were positive and often spoke kindly about him when he wasn't in the room, stating that he was their friend and they knew he was having a tough time, demonstrating empathy.
*name changed
James stated "the Evolve sessions were the best part of his week and didn't want the programme to end."
Leo* was referred after having witnesses domestic violence at home, he has had social care involvement and was displaying violent behaviour.
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Initially, Leo was disruptive and aggressive towards the other children in the group and persistently wanted to fight. He repeatedly shouted and kicked, often throwing objects around the room and repeatedly giving answers that involved hurting someone in some way.​
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Taking part each week, Leo increasingly engaged in discussions and activities around decision making, safety planning, the importance of expressing feelings and emotions, toxic friendships, grooming, peer pressure and the effects of violence - all while learning calming techniques and healthier ways to act on any triggers.
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Over the course of the program, Leo had very positive changes in his behaviour. Although he continues to be frustrated and angry over other's actions and behaviour, instead of acting on impulse he feeds back on how he is feeling. He opened up about his home life and is continuing to improve.​
* name changed
STUDENT QUOTES
"I learnt we shouldn't bully"
Supporting young people in
STOCKTON-ON-TEES
The children and young people live in two of Stockton’s most deprived wards. Life expectancy statistics are polarised in relation to other wards and the national average, revealing extremely high early age mortality rates. The hospital admission statistics for young people (10-24) living in Stockton-On-Tees presenting with self harm are alarmingly twice as high as the national average.
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Many children and young people in the local area face a range of disadvantages, including the impact of parenting issues, drug and alcohol abuse, restricted social and leisure opportunities and a lack of positive role models, which is further compounded by living in poverty and unstable accommodation within isolated communities.
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The young people may consequently be adversely affected and demonstrate anti-social behaviour, low self esteem, poor physical and mental health. Some lack basic social and communication skills and as a result struggle with engagement in education, have low attainment levels and lack aspiration.
Updated November 2024