Our servicesServices for children & young peopleBehind the Mask

Behind the Mask

Behind the Mask is an 8-week group programme for adolescent boys aged 11 to 16 who have experienced or witnessed domestic abuse, are at risk of entering unhealthy relationships or have unhealthy attitudes or beliefs about themselves or others. Through talking and activities, Behind the Mask aims to help young people understand their experiences and the impact of these, whilst developing confidence and self-esteem. They will have the space for their voices to be heard by a consistent and trusted professional. 

The programme has been designed to be interactive, inclusive and educational. In Behind the Mask, we will cover domestic abuse, understanding healthy relationships and gender stereotypes, staying safe and developing self-esteem.

Please note: referrals for Behind the Mask can only be accepted from a professional based within the adolescent boys school, and will need to be for a minimum of 8 students.
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Portrait,Of,A,Teenage,Boy,Son,Talking,To,His,Father
“I learnt how to be, that it's okay to be me, that it's okay to like different stuff and to be different and have different hobbies that maybe aren't expected for different genders... It was really good to get different perspectives from others and what they think and to have open conversations about it. I look at stuff differently and when I see people who are different, I think it doesn't matter to me, so I don't judge them, and I just focus on me and my family and friends.”

Who is Behind the Mask for? 

Behind the Mask is group support for adolescent boys aged 11 to 16, who live in Canterbury, Ashford and Folkestone & Hythe, and have experienced or witnessed domestic abuse, are at risk of entering unhealthy relationships or have unhealthy attitudes or beliefs about themselves or others.

The programme supports young people to keep themselves safe, gain confidence and self-worth, and to build positive relationships which will lead to an increase in aspirations. In weekly sessions facilitators will discuss topics such as domestic abuse, healthy/unhealthy relationships, gender stereotypes, sex & consent, self-esteem and staying safe. The two male facilitators will create a safe and trusting space for attendees to speak openly and honestly about their thoughts and experiences on the topics. Through these discussions, young people will learn about themselves and from your peers, and gain confidence to recognise unhealthy behaviours and enjoy healthy relationships. 

Everyone’s experiences and trauma are individual to them, and we support everyone based on the personalised support that they need.

When and where is Behind the Mask run? 

Behind the Mask is an 8-week programme of support delivered in schools across Canterbury, Ashford and Folkestone & Hythe. The first session will be a 1:1 session, followed by 6-weeks of group work, with the final session also being 1:1. 

The programme is made up of weekly 1 hour group sessions, hosted by two male Outreach Workers, with approximately 8 boys in each group. 

We have strong relationships with many schools across Canterbury, Ashford and Folkestone & Hythe, working closely with their safeguarding teams to create a safe and secure place for group sessions to take place. 

What will young people gain from Behind the Mask? 

Behind the Mask aims to help young people develop healthy relationships with themselves and their peers, whilst developing confidence and self-esteem. It does this through: 

  • Giving space and permission to talk about challenging topics, personal experiences and discuss these with peers – breaking down the stigma and secrecy of these topics. 
  • Offering the context and language to experiences and thoughts, through psychoeducational support around healthy relationships, trauma and emotional regulations. 
  • Building a trusted relationship with a professional adult and identifying a support network for young people to share their thoughts and feelings with. 
  • Showing that the young person has a choice, and that their voice is heard. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Behind the Mask take place?

Behind the Mask, our adolescent boys group programme, takes place in schools in Canterbury, Ashford and Folkestone & Hythe. 

We are partnered with a number of schools across the districts and work closely with their safeguarding teams. 

How do young people access support through Behind the Mask?

If young people fit the following criteria, they can be referred onto Behind the Mask by a school professional.

  • Are aged 11-16
  • Have experienced domestic abuse, are at risk of entering unhealthy relationships or have unhealthy attitudes or beliefs about themselves or others.
  • Live in Canterbury, Ashford or Folkestone & Hythe
  • Have no more than 50/50 contact with the non-safe parent
  • Legal guardian/safe parent is invested in the support

Once referred into the Behind the Mask group programme, the young person will be placed onto a waiting list. Our Children & Young Person Manager or group facilitator will call the safe parent, or legal guardian to discuss the information shared in the referral, what is involved with the Behind the Mask group programme and check that the support is suitable for the family. If suitable, they will be placed into an upcoming group.

Please note: Behind the Mask is facilitated by male key workers, parents/guardians may therefore receive a call from a male key worker. If they would prefer a call from a female, please note this on the referral.

Make a referral
Can a young person attend Behind the Mask if they are still in contact with the alleged perpetrator?

We cannot accept referrals where the young person lives with an identified perpetrator, has more than 50/50 contact or there is current domestic abuse in the household.

How do you work safely with children?

Rising Sun has a Safeguarding Policy in place for working with children and young people which each of our facilitators follows. Our highly-trained facilitators are experienced at recognising, recording and reporting safeguarding concerns through the appropriate channels. If a safeguarding concern should arise, a member of staff will inform the school safeguarding team, parent and a Rising Sun designated safeguarding lead immediately. 

What support do you require from the parent?

The Children and Young Person Manager or facilitator of the group, will contact each parent to inform them of the content of the group and the delivery of the topics and to gain consent for their child to attend the programme of support.

Please note: Behind the Mask is facilitated by male workers from Rising Sun, therefore, parents/guardians may be contacted by a male key worker. Please inform us if they are not comfortable with this, and our female Children & Young Person Manager will contact you.

We’re a school and would like to host Behind the Mask group programmes, who do we contact?

If you’re a school in Canterbury, Ashford or Folkestone & Hythe and would like to speak to us about partnering with us to deliver our Behind the Mask group programme please get in touch!

Contact us
Does Behind the Mask take place during school holidays?

No, Behind the Mask groups only take place during school term-time. However, we do host activity days during school holidays to continue providing light-touch support to the boys that we have supported throughout the year. Adolescent boys will be invited to activity days by their key workers.

Learn more

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