Like our Women’s Group, Men’s Group is about sharing information and encouraging our male students to be open and honest about feelings that they might not understand and ask questions that they might not feel comfortable asking parents/carers.
In Men’s Group, we:
- Create a safe space to talk
- Create an atmosphere of support
- Learn about human bodies, relationships, sex, respect to other people, boundaries (public/private, saying no)
- Promote a positive approach to bodies
- Discuss current matters in the world (Black Lives Matter movement, pandemic) including those considered difficult or controversial
What does a typical session look like
- A do not disturb sign is always placed on the door.
- Each session starts with a check-in to see how everybody is feeling.
- Students are encouraged to ask each other questions.
- A weekly subject is chosen either by students or we may design a session specifically to address an event or issue.
The difference we make
Men’s Group is a safe space to talk and we aim to create an atmosphere of support, understanding and inclusion and develop friendships.
Men’s Group is important because often it can be difficult for families to talk to their adult children with learning disabilities about relationships and bodies.
We also discuss subjects that parents may find difficult to address such as inequality and discrimination.
It is a safe and confidential space which is important both for empowering students to speak up and supporting them to understand themselves, their rights and how to address matters of inequality and discrimination in their lives.
Men’s Group Success Story
Staying safe online
This year we have helped students to stay safe online and use their phones safely as regards to dating sites and awareness of “catfishing” and being aware of the dangers of giving out their personnel information online.