This week I’m continuing to look at some of the issues raised by Sir Gareth Southgate in respect of young men, inspired this time by the TV programme which was shown recently, “Changing the Game for Young Men”. In this programme he asks how we can build a positive culture around young men when many people see them as a problem to be fixed. How can they find a place in society.? Why are many young men underperforming in the world of employment?
Statistics show that young men are doing worse at school than young women, and are more likely to make bad choices, ending up on drugs, drink and in a life of crime. 96% of the prison population is male and young men are more likely to be unable to cope with failure or seek psychological support. There is a high rate of male suicide.
Sir Gareth looked in this programme at some of the problems that occur as young men who are not academically wired struggle to succeed at school and to find outlets and opportunities in the job market. The fact that only 35% of secondary teachers are male means there can be a lack of male role models for young men in schools, which is particularly difficult for those with no father in the home. Sir Gareth is hoping to challenge more businesses to give young people work experience as a way in to the world of work. He visited a programme set up by a charity to help boys with no consistent father figure in their homes to gain skills in expressing their emotions, build up their confidence and avoid the influences of toxic masculinity.
Christian Youth Ministries in Ipswich have developed a network of chaplains attached to all the secondary schools, and some primary schools in the area. This means young people in our local schools have the opportunity to talk to someone who is independent of the teaching staff if they are struggling with personal issues.
The chaplains are present in their schools on certain days of the week, available for one-to-one one sessions or more casual contact in the playground or cafe at break time. Their presence has been found to be helpful by the teachers, whose time for one to one support is limited.
The chaplains seek to promote the wellbeing of the whole school. This is one way that Christians are getting involved in some of the struggles young people face and their support is available to Christian and non Christian young people, with no pressure to adopt Christian views, although prayer may be offered in some instances and faith conversations may take place. These chaplains need our prayers and Christian Youth Ministries need financial support to continue their important work.
Prayer – Heavenly Father, we thank you for those who draw alongside young people, supporting them in their struggles in school, college and finding employment. We thank you for Sir Gareth Southgate who is using his influence to highlight these problems and try to find solutions. We bring before you the chaplains who work in schools under the employment of Christian Youth Ministries. Bless their work Lord In Jesus’ name.