Our year 10 and 11 students recently took part in a powerful mental health awareness session delivered by Tom’s Talks, facilitated by Paul’s Pit Stop and funded through Tesco’s community blue token scheme.
Tom shared the deeply personal story of losing his brother to suicide following years of drug addiction. Through his honest and heartfelt account, students gained a greater understanding of mental health challenges, the impact they can have on individuals and families, and the importance of recognising when someone may need support.
The session highlighted how common experiences such as anxiety, depression and prolonged sadness can be, while giving students practical strategies to support their own wellbeing and look out for others. Most importantly, it reinforced the message that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Following the talk, year 10 and 11 boys took part in a workshop exploring what it means to be a young man in today’s society. Discussions focused on the influence of friendship groups, social media and the online “manosphere”, encouraging students to think critically about the people they choose to follow and the messages they consume.
Students explored the qualities of positive role models and considered how values such as respect, kindness, responsibility and emotional awareness help shape strong and confident young men. The workshop also challenged stereotypes around masculinity, helping students understand that true strength comes from making independent choices, supporting others and having the confidence to speak openly when they need help.
The impact of the sessions was evident in the feedback from students, many of whom described the experience as “awesome” and unlike anything they had encountered before. Tom’s honesty created a safe space for meaningful discussion, with several students feeling confident enough to share their own experiences and challenges. Many spoke about how inspired they were by Tom’s openness, resilience and willingness to be vulnerable. Students were particularly struck by the fact that, despite his success as a businessman and entrepreneur, Tom’s priorities remain firmly rooted in family, supporting others and using his experiences to make a positive difference. His message that strength comes not from status or success, but from character, compassion and the courage to help others, resonated strongly with those who took part.
We are incredibly grateful to Tom for sharing his family’s story with such honesty, and to Paul’s Pit Stop and Tesco for making this valuable opportunity possible.
By creating spaces for open conversation, we can help our young people develop the confidence, resilience and understanding needed to support both their own wellbeing and that of those around them.
