Teenage boys shining light on male mental health

"We're just giving boys a place, where they can drop that macho kind of persona and just be themselves."

Those are the words of the teenage boys who run a group called Matrix, which focuses on male mental health and challenges stereotypes around masculinity.

The project was set up by students at St Michael's Church of England High School in Rowley Regis and has been nominated for a BBC Make a Difference award.

They provide support and meet-ups at school, "helping our community" to "feel like they can come up to us and speak", student Jack said.

Through their campaign "Am I Manly Enough?" they encourage their peers to start honest conversations surrounding identity, vulnerability, and self-acceptance.

"With this new campaign, we know the perception that you can't cry, but we know it's all right to have a cry," Jack said.

Another student, Kingsley, added: "Whenever someone's crying I don't have to say something like 'man up' - I can go to them and ask them if they need any help."

A highlight for the group was recognition by the Prince of Wales when he visited the school in April 2024 - an experience students have described as "surreal".

Reflecting on the achievement of highlighting the project to Prince William, student Isaac said: "Getting to look back at the work we have done and see how it has [interested] people like that, it helps and drives you forward a lot."

The group also hosts Matrix Morning events where students engage with staff, community representatives and family members.

Going forward the group hopes to continue inspiring change around their school and wider community.

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