Voicebox Visit Encourages Discussion Around Healthy Masculinity

On Thursday 7 May, we welcomed Sam Newton from Voicebox to RGS Worcester to speak with Years Nine and Ten pupils. Voicebox works with schools to empower young people to promote and embody healthy masculinity, challenge misogyny, prioritise mental, physical and social wellbeing and promote gender equality.

Sam’s presentation was engaging and interactive, giving pupils the opportunity to reflect on the gender stereotypes present within society and the impact these can have. The session explored the harm caused by some traditional ideas surrounding what men “should” be like, particularly in relation to showing emotion, and considered the effect these expectations can have on mental health, relationships and those around them.

In the final part of the talk, Sam proposed a definition of healthy masculinity, encouraging pupils to reflect on and shape this idea for themselves while challenging unhealthy stereotypes. Through discussion of a range of scenarios, pupils were able to consider the positive difference healthy masculinity can make in everyday life.

One Year Nine pupil reflected: “I enjoyed the talk as it showed me an understanding of what men can do and feel like and that our emotions should not be trapped…it teaches others about understanding people and to not make throw away comments without thinking about the effect it can have.”

A Year Ten pupil commented: “I found the talk interesting and engaging. I thought it focused on relevant themes in an engaging and sensitive way, helping me to have a broader understanding of certain topics that are important in the world at the moment.”

Mrs S Soman, Teacher of Philosophy & Religion and Head of PSHCE