Commissioner supports positive masculinity project

A project aimed at promoting positive masculinity and challenging misogyny and gender‑based violence among young people in Gwent is being supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Positive Masculinity Initiative is run by Media Academy Cymru (MAC) and seeks to empower young people to recognise and model positive masculinity in themselves and others. The project promotes healthy, respectful relationships and aims to help create safer and more inclusive communities.

It works with boys and young men who have been identified as displaying problematic attitudes or behaviours, taking a youth‑work approach to support them in critically reflecting on their thoughts, opinions and actions. This process helps participants develop a more positive male identity.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd said: “Women and girls are disproportionately affected by harassment, abuse and violence in our communities, and it is vital that we address the behaviours and attitudes that contribute to this harm.

“By engaging with boys and young men at an early age, we have an opportunity to prevent harm further down the line while also supporting them to develop healthier and more respectful attitudes towards women and girls.

“The learning from this project is being independently evaluated by Swansea University, which will help us better understand these issues and inform our work to build safer communities for everyone.”

The project supports the priorities set out in the Commissioner’s Police, Crime and Justice Plan and is part‑funded using money recovered from the proceeds of crime. Community groups can apply to the fund for grants ranging from £1,000 to £50,000 to support local initiatives.

Sam Heatley, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Media Academy Cymru, said: “Thanks to funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner, we have been able to expand our work across Gwent. By addressing problematic attitudes and behaviours early on, we can help prevent boys and young men from entering the criminal justice system later in life and support them to go on to lead happier lives and develop healthier relationships.”