On November 19, School of Education Senior Lecturer Mark Breslin attended an International Men’s Day reception hosted by Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street.

Mark’s invitation came in recognition of his sustained work supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing, and in particular the recent publication of his paper Beyond the Classroom: Strengthening Pupil Engagement, Attendance and Belonging through Alternative Education and Community Partnerships.

The paper explores school attendance and re-engagement among young people facing complex and intersecting barriers such as poverty, trauma, experiences of violence, and emotional or behavioural difficulties. It reports on an innovative 10-week, community-based educational programme developed through a partnership with a local boxing and fitness club. This programme combined physical activity, mentoring, and psychoeducational learning to help pupils rebuild confidence, strengthen identity, and re-establish a sense of routine and belonging.

Much of Mark’s academic and voluntary work centres on early intervention with young people impacted by knife crime, gang involvement and antisocial behaviour, helping them overcome the barriers these issues create for school attendance and wellbeing. Through collaborating with police, local authority staff, community workers and teachers, Mark’s research highlights how early intervention, positive role modelling and community partnership approaches can divert young people away from cycles of violence and disengagement.

Alongside his academic work, Mark volunteers with the Barrhead Amateur Boxing and Fitness Club, where he helps to run community sessions aimed at supporting young men’s wellbeing, reducing online and in-person misogyny, and promoting positive masculinity. These sessions have provided a safe and structured environment for boys to talk, train, and form trusting relationships with adults who model respect, emotional regulation and accountability.

Mark said:

“My work in this area focuses on understanding why some young people disengage from school and how we can create community-based supports that feel relevant and meaningful to them. I believe this is important because many of the young people most at risk of mental ill health, violence or exclusion don’t always find traditional school systems accessible. Strong community partnerships, especially around sport, physical activity and mentoring can reconnect them, build trust, and provide alternative pathways back into education and wellbeing.”

The Downing Street event, which the Prime Minister said was the first of its kind to be held at Number 10, brought together representatives from charities, businesses, schools, mental health organisations, and academic institutions, alongside public figures known for their work in men’s mental and physical health.

Prime Minister Starmer emphasised that issues such as men’s mental health, online misogyny, violence, social isolation and reduced access to support “demand a national response”. He also announced that the government will hold a national summit next year on the challenges facing men and boys.

Reflecting on the event, Mark said:

“The event helped focus national attention on some of the issues that are stopping young people from attending and engaging with school, including poor mental health, social pressures, online harms, the influence of misogynistic content, and the lack of accessible community supports. To make more progress, we need long-term investment in preventative programmes, meaningful collaboration between schools and community partners, and safe spaces where boys and young men can be supported to express emotions, develop positive identities and feel a sense of belonging.”

First published: 28 November 2025

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