30/09/2026
******A longer read, but an important one. Please take a moment to hear about the positive change our young people are leading. *****
Today’s BBC report on John Swinney’s plans to tackle misogyny in schools highlights why sustained prevention work matters.
Since 1997, our amazing organisation has supported generations of young people in Blackhill and Provanmill to become active changemakers, working together to reduce violence and build a safer, more caring community.
Our gender-based violence prevention work builds on that commitment, exploring equality, misogyny, harmful gender stereotypes and healthy relationships. Lasting change takes more than one-off lessons. It needs trusted relationships and ongoing learning that helps change attitudes, behaviours and community culture. Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) provides an evidence-informed approach to support this.
For around four years, we’ve supported Smithycroft Secondary to establish and embed MVP. Our own young mentors from SPYF train annually alongside Smithycroft pupils.
Together, they’re showing fantastic leadership, helping their peers become active bystanders and learn safe ways to support friends.
Our senior mentors often say they wish they’d learned about healthy relationships in primary school. Their experiences have helped shape our work at Carntyne Primary through Everyone’s Included, an introduction within the MVP programme that builds foundations of kindness, respect and healthy relationships.
With support from Glasgow City Council’s Education Department, we’re also delivering MVP awareness sessions for teachers across Glasgow, and we hope this commitment continues.
Young people’s commitment to positive change has always driven our work. MVP helps us put that commitment into practice.
Prevention is everyone’s responsibility. We’re proud of our young people for putting that message into action. 💜
We welcome continued support from elected representatives to sustain prevention work led by young people across our schools and communities.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqrm9gr02z30o?app-referrer=deep-link
The first minister says he wants to challenge misogynistic behaviour in young boys and strengthen and support young girls.
