Browse Our Newsletter
Healing Systems, Not Just People: Healing Health Inequalities
Read moreSupport our work
As SIG Safe Ground marks its 30th anniversary, we’re proud to share stories that reflect the transformative power of their programmes. One such story comes from HMP Forest Bank, where our journey began with the delivery of Man Up? a programme designed to challenge stereotypes and open conversations about masculinity.
Since its introduction, Man Up? has become a cornerstone of positive change within the prison, inspiring participants to rethink long-held beliefs and embrace new perspectives. The team at Forest Bank has not only risen to the challenge but has seen remarkable outcomes among the men they work with, stories of growth, confidence, and hope that speak to the heart of SIG Safe Ground’s mission.
Below, hear directly from the facilitators at HMP Forest Bank about their experience delivering Man Up? and the impact it’s had on the men in their care.
When we were told about Man Up? we were excited for a new challenge but unsure what to expect. As soon as we started the training with Emma and her team, we knew we would love it.
Man Up? is different from anything we have delivered before. The style of delivery was a little daunting, but the team was ready to adapt to this to ensure the participants got the best experience.
We are now delivering our 7th programme at Forest Bank, and it has been a huge success with the men so far. The feedback we have received really reflects this. We are approached daily by men who want to take part in the programme after hearing from others how amazing Man Up? is. One participant described the programme as a turning point in his life.
From the very start, the men have embraced the learning. Another participant came in to the group with strong views on how a man should be the ‘alpha’, and consequently, this had led to long spells of time spent in CSU and on basic. Man Up? gave him the opportunity to explore where this had come from in his life. After completing the programme he progressed to enhanced status. He employed as a cleaner on the wing with the wing staff amazed at how his attitude had changed and they highlighted how they could see how he had really taken something from the programme.
As a facilitator, I’ve grown to love the programme, and it has really opened my eyes to the pressures society puts on men. It is really rewarding to see how the men have responded to the material. How they sit and complete their writing bursts and their ‘I come from’ poems and have the confidence to read them out to the rest of the group is amazing. To watch the men grow in confidence in just six sessions, from them not knowing one another in session 1 to completing a ‘showcase’ together as a team by session six has been very rewarding.
The only complaint we get from the men is that Man Up? is not long enough!
