My Week - Bring on the bullies and a bit of sun

I know from my own experience how hard it is for boys and men to speak out about this kind of stuff - thank goodness they feel able to contact ChildLine but how sad that they feel they can't talk to someone face to face. It strikes me that the stigma of "boys don't cry" is obviously still alive and well - we desperately need to be doing something to change this.

TUESDAY - I visit the Atkinson Secure Unit in Exeter to discuss developing an equality scheme. It's the first time I've been and once I've got through the locked gates and into the building I am immediately struck by how bright, welcoming and young people-centred it is. The staff are really warm and I am shown round the unit by the manager and meet some of the young people. I can't help feeling emotional as I leave, remembering the young people I have worked with in the past who have gone into secure accommodation, sometimes to stop them harming others but, just as often, themselves.