Stand Tall has been designed as a strengths-based, relationship-focused wellbeing program centred around identity, emotional resilience, healthy masculinity, nervous system regulation, belonging, and personal growth. It will be delivered by Damian from EACH and Shirley Sun from the wellbeing team will co-facilitate.
Importantly, the aim of the program is not to lecture young men about masculinity or focus on behaviour management. Rather, it seeks to create a safe and respectful space where students can explore who they are becoming, understand the pressures they are navigating socially and emotionally, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.
Many young men today are carrying significant pressure while simultaneously lacking spaces where they feel safe to speak honestly without judgement, social performance, or the expectation to “have it all together.” This can often present as withdrawal, anxiety, disengagement, emotional shutdown, school refusal, avoidance, or difficulties with confidence and identity.
The program combines:
- facilitated discussion
- psychoeducation
- nervous system and stress regulation
- experiential activities
- reflective exercises
- identity and values exploration
- connection and belonging work
in a way that is engaging, practical, and non-clinical.
Some of the themes explored include:
- identity and self-worth
- stress, anxiety, and the nervous system
- emotional regulation and resilience
- social masks and online influence
- healthy strength and masculinity
- belonging and connection
- confidence and self-awareness
- purpose, direction, and the kind of man students want to become
The overall focus is not on “fixing” young boys, but helping them develop self-awareness, emotional strength, confidence, healthy connection, and a stronger sense of identity.
Given the increasing levels of anxiety, disconnection, and social pressure many adolescents are facing. There is significant value in creating spaces where young boys can feel seen, heard, and supported in healthy and constructive ways.
