Why the Boys' Impact Morning Matters
Across the schools we work with, many students tell us they feel unsure how to engage confidently with adults beyond their immediate circles, and uncertain about what opportunities might exist for them beyond school. At the same time, teachers and employers recognise the growing need to develop confidence, communication and aspiration at an earlier stage.
With this in mind, M10 hosted its first Boys’ Impact Morning - a carefully designed event bringing together secondary school lads from schools we are working closely with, alongside positive male role models from the world of work. Thanks to generous funding from The Squires Foundation and #TheNationalLottery, who enable us to invest longer-term in the lives of these students, we welcomed Year 10 lads from Walker Riverside Academy, Cramlington Learning Village and George Stephenson High School to the Linskill Centre. We were joined by a range of businessmen from our existing Boys’ Network mentors, alongside professionals from our business partners at Wave Utilities, Accenture, Morgan Sindall and NEPO, along with local entrepreneurs. What followed was incredible to witness, men from diverse backgrounds openly sharing their stories, successes and failures, with lads who were genuinely eager to listen, learn and engage, from a range of sectors. The morning was shaped around three simple but powerful themes: Connection, Curiosity and Future Vision.
Connection: Building Confidence Through Real Interaction
The morning began with a practical focus on communication and first impressions. Through interactive demonstrations, students explored the impact of body language, eye contact and professional greetings, and why these small details matter in everyday life and future employment. Students then had the opportunity to practise these skills directly with mentors. Many arrived feeling unsure, but as the session progressed, confidence grew visibly. Conversations flowed, questions emerged, and barriers quickly began to fall.
A networking activity then encouraged students to put into practice what they had learned, by initiating conversations and learning about each mentor’s background and career journey. The room was full of energy, with every student (and mentor!) actively engaging and being encouraged along the way.
"It was impossible for them (the students) not to engage!" - Paul Weedon
Curiosity: Learning to Ask Better Questions
The second part of the morning focused on Curiosity, asking better questions and learning to actively listen. Each mentor worked with a small group of lads, allowing them to ask surface-level questions first, then dig deeper based on what they heard. The aim was simple, to show the lads that the quality of their questions determines the quality of the insights they gain. This was reinforced through a mentor panel, where a range of mentors shared insight into their career paths through thoughtful, direct questioning. The lads were fully engaged, particularly when mentors reflected on what they would have done differently at their age and their experiences of education.
One standout moment came from Jacob Hanna, a Quantity Surveyor Degree Apprentice at Morgan Sindall Construction. He spoke honestly about not recognising the value of education until he became an apprentice and began learning something he was passionate about. His story resonated strongly with the lads and naturally led into the final part of the morning: Future Vision.
Future Vision: Encouraging Purpose and Direction
“People who write down a clear goal are 42% more likely to achieve it.”
The final session invited students to look ahead. Using a structured worksheet, they were encouraged to reflect on their aspirations, their current attitudes to learning, and the practical steps they could take to move forward. Our mentors guided students, helping them turn ideas into achievable next steps. This guidance was a crucial step, showing students that ambition, when combined with support, planning and effort, can help achieve goals.
By the end of the session, the lads were beginning to see how the choices they make now can shape their future.
Impact and Reflections
The Boys’ Impact Morning achieved exactly what it set out to do. Students grew in confidence, asked better questions and began to think more intentionally about their future. Mentors spoke of seeing clear progress in students’ confidence and engagement over the course of the morning.
“I thought it was really good. It gave me experience and knowledge about the real world and working life. I wish we could have had longer so I could learn more.” Student, Walker Riverside Academy
One mentor reflected:
“You could see his confidence growing with every activity. He was transforming as the morning went on.”
The morning was a clear example of what can happen when young people are given the time, support and positive role models to think differently about themselves and their future. For many of the lads, it marked a meaningful step towards greater confidence, aspiration and purpose, shaped through relationships between students and mentors and through conversations that bridged education and the world beyond school, moments of encouragement and insight that young people often carry with them long after the event itself has ended.
Looking Ahead
We are deeply grateful to the mentors who gave their time so generously, sharing not just success stories but honesty, encouragement and hope. Their presence created an environment where lads felt seen, supported and inspired. The success of the Boys’ Impact Morning has reinforced our belief in the power of bringing schools, mentors and employers together with purpose. This model has strong potential to grow, offering more young men the confidence, curiosity and vision they need to navigate life beyond the classroom.
If you are a school, professional or organisation interested in partnering with us to support young people in this way, we would love to continue the conversation.
