We Need To Talk About Masculinity: A film and resources
'We Need To Talk About Masculinity' is presented like a true-crime documentary: a series of characters talk about an incident in school between Max and Sophie. Max is persuaded to ask Sophie out on a date. When she rejects him, Sophie's friends starts spreading rumours. Spurred on by bad advice and skewed social media content, Max bombards Sophie with texts and then confronts her, angrily. Luckily a teacher, Mr Timms, intervenes. Max sees the error of his ways and the film ends with Max and Sophie sharing their experiences to the film crew.
“Great work! This will be a great resource to get our young people reflecting and talking about masculinity." Kelly Adcock from Harmful Sexual Behaviour Team, Walsall Council.
"I feel so proud to be part of this resource, the young people are amazing. It bought tears to my eyes it really did." Carol Harris from Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.
Synopsis
The key incident – of Max angrily confronting Sophie – and people’s responses to it, helps viewers think about and discuss healthy masculinity. The film highlights the importance of communication, not bottling up emotion (especially when it comes to rejection and shame), emotional resilience, getting good advice from people you trust (and being aware that not everyone gives good advice), the careful use of social media, and respect for others and one’s self.
In a light touch way that translates well to the target age group (12-16 years of age), while not pulling any punches, the film showcases the spiralling circumstances that can lead to verbal and physical harassment, as well as physical and cyber-stalking. Importantly, especially in the school setting, it shows that personal and group responsibility have a vital part to play in nurturing healthy masculinity. We see how people around the two central characters – friends, teachers, older siblings, step-father – affect their decision-making.
"Its a great resource!! Very impressive, it allows for lots of different avenues of discussion and debate for pupils to follow as led by a professional from various different agencies involved with that age group. I could imagine the film being used all over the country in schools for PSHE lessons and debates in tutor time etc. Very thought provoking generally!" Richard Knight (Headteacher) from Amberleigh Therapeutic School, Welshpool.
Topic Areas: Respect, toxic relationships, the importance of communication, misogyny, verbal and physical harassment, physical and cyber-stalking, listening to good advice (and recognising poor advice), not bottling up emotion, emotional resilience, careful social media use.
Signposting
Walsall Sign-posting
Independent support services for people who are being abused, have been abused, or have other specific needs.
The Cedar Centre Walsall The Rock Centre, 27-31 Lichfield Street, Walsall, WS1 1TE
info@blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk 01922 649 569
Electric Palace
Specialist centre for young people, providing education, support and youth activities
Blakenall community Centre, Blakenall Row, WS3 1LW 01922 712069GP’s
Your local GPs offer a free and confidential service.
Walsall integrated Sexual Health (WiSH)
Pleck Road, Walsall, WS2 9ES (opposite main entrance to Walsall Manor Hospital)
To book an appointment or find details of clinic times please visit www.walsallsexualhealth.co.uk or alternatively call: 01922 270400
Has two main aims to prevent/reduce teenage pregnancy and to support teenage parents and their children.
Phone: 01922 602330 Email: tpt@walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk
Offer free condoms, pregnancy testing and general counselling
55 Upper Forster Street, Walsall, WS4 2ABOffer Telephone 01922 649000 (24 hours)
Chat Health
A text service that allows you to talk to a School Nurse about your issues. Text 07480 635363
Black Country Impact
Free training and help finding work if you are aged 16-29 and live in the Black Country.
Call 01922 654364 or email bcimpact@walsall.gov.uk Alternatively, you can visit the Impact Hub Walsall which is a drop in service based at St. Pauls Crossing, Unit 3, Darwall Street WS1 1DA.
The Hub is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm
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