This is a content warning. There is mention in this episode of mental health issues and suicide.
In this episode we talk about pressure. Where does pressure on boys come from and how do we deal with it? We wanted this episode to predominantly discussions amongst boys, so listeners can learn more about our perspectives. The distinction between the pressures on boys and the pressures on men is quite blurred for us. Boys having a strong sense of having to provide is a big theme in this episode. The pressures we feel are shared with some of our guests in this episode, including music producer Jay Weathers, who tells us about his experience growing up in London.
Alex Blower of Boys Impact helps us understand more about the about the effects of societal pressures on boys and young men’s mental health, and how as boys we learn how (and how not) to express ourselves in the face of pressures.
This episode features other guests including youth worker Jely Kikamba and some of our teachers at William Ellis School.
From the Boys was produced at MDX Studios at Middlesex University.
It was created by Ahmed, Kente, Daniel, Jacob, Bobby, Patrick, Isaaq, Oskar, Muhamed, Tyrese, Ethan, Guillem, Kobi, Rabah, Arda and Félix from William Ellis School, in the London Borough of Camden.
Producer - Helen Bendon
Audio Producer - Michael McGlone
Lead Facilitator - Jake Sharland
Sound Recordist and Audio Assistant - Daniela Machado
Special thanks to all the boys, Alex Blower, Jely Kikamba, Jay Weathers and Jeff Adolfo and our teachers from William Ellis School for contributing to this episode.
Links:
Young Minds
https://www.youngminds.org.uk, mental health support for young people
NHS Every Mind Matters
nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/youth-mental-health
The NHS offers information and advice on mental health and wellbeing. Includes videos about dealing with change, social media and sleep.
Mind
https://www.mind.org.uk/for-young-people/how-to-get-help-and-support/useful-contacts/ Resource list from Mind - If you're aged between 11 and 18, this page lists organisations and services that can offer you information and support.
The Samaritans
116 123 The Samaritans Helpline is open 24/7 for people to talk about any concerns, worries and troubles they are experiencing
0808 164 0123 (Welsh Language Line)
https://www.samaritans.org/scotland/about-samaritans/research-policy/internet-suicide/talking-to-your-child-about-self-harm-and-suicide-content-online/ This is a guide for parents, carers and family members who are supporting a loved one with their online use in relation to self-harm and suicide.
Shout
giveusashout.org Shout is a confidential and anonymous text support service for anyone struggling to cope.
Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7)
Childline
0800 1111 Childline help and support for children. https://www.childline.org.uk/
The Listening Place
https://listeningplace.org.uk/ offers face-to-face support for over 18s so that people can talk openly about their suicidal feelings.
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MDX Studios at Middlesex University
https://www.mdx.ac.uk/about-us/our-faculties/faculty-of-arts-and-creative-industries/mdx-studios/
William Ellis School https://www.williamellis.camden.sch.uk/
The William Ellis Trust https://www.williamellistrust.org.uk/
Boys Impact https://www.boysimpact.com/
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