A CALL TO EDUCATORS --FreeUP-- Living Respectfully

Alan Johnson, Principal, Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre says:

"One of the challenges that we face in education is how best to combat the many harmful cultural and social expectations that are played out in our schools and communities. I believe that as educators we have a responsibility to ensure that we provide a healthy alternative to some of the ideas that are taught to young men, sometimes unconsciously, and often reinforced by society. In doing so we can fundamentally shift attitudes and behaviours that will prevent violence and discrimination against women and other marginalized groups.

By ensuring that staff are skilled in recognising the language of coercive control and are actively promoting healthy, respectful relationships we will decrease the language and actions that degrade women, girls and other marginalized groups; challenge harmful cultural and social norms; and decrease instances of bullying and homophobia.

Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre is the South West Hub for the FreeUP-Living Respectfully programme that encourages boys and young men to think critically about many important issues including: gender equality; gender socialisation; sexual bullying; harassment; consent; messages in media and music and healthy, respectful relationships.

The first national conference will be held on the 6th December 2017 and we are delighted to announce that journalist and author of "Be A Man-How macho culture damages us and how to escape it" is our keynote speaker."

Chris's book can be purchased here: BE A MAN

The conference is open to all professionals working with children and young people in the public and voluntary sectors.