Boys2Men Conference - How can we support the mental health and wellbeing of boys and young men?

Training from the Iron Mill College

Following the success of the previous two conferences in Poole, the Iron Mill College are holding their third 1-day conference for anyone committed to the mental health and wellbeing of boys and young men. Held in the impressive surroundings of Canford School near Wimborne, Dorset.

The transition to adulthood for boys and young men is becoming increasingly difficult. Their journey from childhood appears to be more difficult than that of girls and young women. 

In education, they are three times more likely to be excluded for three times as long. They are more likely to be diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism. They are more likely to present with challenging behaviour in schools. Academically, they do less well in all sectors of education. 

Over 80% of first time offenders are boys. Over 80% of young people in secure units struggling with addictions are young men. By the time young men reach adulthood, they are more likely to die of suicide than any other cause. (Statistics compiled from Men’s Health Forum, 2016 and GOV.UK. 2019) 

This invaluable 1-day conference will offer an opportunity to consider perspectives on what lies behind these statistics. What is the nature of boys and young men’s journey into adulthood? What challenges do they face and what do they tell us that might help? 

Including Special Guest Keynote Speakers / Presenters: 

Simon Weston, CBE, Author, Professional Motivational Speaker. 

Gary Bloom, Sports Psychotherapist.

Ben Nuss, School Counsellor.

Siobhan Down, CEO of Yellow Brick Road Charity.

Sean Flynn, Therapist & Lecturer at Iron Mill College.

Delena Ritter, Therapist & Lecturer at Iron Mill College.

Course Details:

• Includes keynote speeches from Simon Weston, internationally recognised author and motivational speaker and President of the DEBRA Charity; Gary Blume, Clinical Sports Psychotherapist and TalkSPORT radio show presenter; Ben Nuss, School Counsellor based in North Wales (MA in Therapeutic Counselling) and Siobhan Down, CEO of Yellow Brick Road Charity.
• Workshops will be provided by our keynote speakers and by Sean Flynn (Therapist and Lecturer at Iron Mill College) and Delena Ritter (Therapist and Lecturer at Iron Mill College). 
• Valuable networking opportunities with a range of interdisciplinary professionals, including counsellors, therapists, teachers, pastoral care and mental health practitioners, youth workers, parents, carers and more. The day also includes a 2-course lunch and refreshments.
• A CPD Certificate for 8 hours will be issued to attendees. 

Who is this conference for:   The Boys2Men conference is open to anyone who is interested in the subject matter. It will be of particular relevance to practitioners and carers who work with young people experiencing difficulties, including counsellors, therapists, teachers, pastoral care and mental health practitioners, youth workers, parents, carers and more.

For programme details, information and booking head to the Iron Mill College website here