Why We Created Boys II Leaders: Investing in the Next Generation of Young Men

When I first began developing Faces of Social Work, I knew I wanted our work to focus on communities and service user groups that often require a more tailored and preventative approach.

After more than 15 years working with children and families across London, I have seen first-hand the impact that austerity, inequality and the gradual erosion of community services have had on young people.

Perhaps no group has been affected more than teenagers.

Over the past two decades, many local youth clubs, community projects and early intervention services have disappeared due to reductions in funding. Research has demonstrated that the closure of youth clubs has been associated with poorer educational outcomes and increased youth offending, highlighting the importance of accessible community spaces for young people.

At the same time, adolescence has become increasingly complex. Young people are navigating social media, online exploitation, peer pressure, violence, poor mental health and reduced opportunities for positive social connection. Many communities have lost the very services that once offered safe spaces, trusted adults and structured activities after school.

Working within Children's Social Care, I have repeatedly observed that many of the boys requiring intervention are already known to services through safeguarding concerns, education issues, criminal exploitation or the youth justice system. National Youth Justice Statistics show that boys account for around **86% of children receiving a caution or sentence** in England and Wales, despite representing around half of the youth population.

Many of these boys have experienced adversity, trauma or instability. Many have grown up in single-parent households, often headed by incredibly resilient mothers doing everything they can with limited support. The challenge is not the family structure itself, but ensuring that every boy has access to positive relationships, opportunities and guidance during a critical stage of development.

After years of practice, I became convinced that we invest far too much once problems have escalated and far too little in prevention.

That is why Boys II Leaders became the very first programme developed by Faces of Social Work.

The programme has been designed to give boys aged 11–16 opportunities that many never receive: opportunities to lead, communicate, problem-solve, build confidence and develop emotional intelligence in a safe and engaging environment.

Through immersive activities, teamwork, mentorship, leadership challenges and community projects, participants will be encouraged to discover strengths that may never have previously been recognised.

At its heart, Boys II Leaders is about brotherhood.

It is about creating a space where boys can support one another, learn from positive role models and understand that strength is found not only in courage, but also in kindness, empathy, responsibility and respect.

Some people have asked me why the programme focuses specifically on boys.

The answer is simple.

Many boys are growing up during a time when positive male role models, structured youth provision and opportunities for leadership have become increasingly limited. Boys deserve spaces where they can explore identity, masculinity, communication and leadership in healthy and constructive ways. We believe that investing in boys today helps create emotionally intelligent men, stronger families and safer communities tomorrow.

Boys II Leaders is only the beginning.

It represents the first of many community projects that Faces of Social Work hopes to deliver....projects that move beyond crisis intervention and instead invest in prevention, belonging and opportunity. Returning to the true definition of Social Work! 

Because every child deserves to be seen for their potential before they are defined by their problems.

Interested in supporting the project? Visit our Boys II Leaders page or complete our community survey here.