Children's commissioner visited Arts University Bournemouth

Dame Rachel de Souza, the children's commissioner for England, visited Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) to meet with participants in the Being a Boy project, which supports young men aged 12 to 16 to explore identity and masculinity through creative subjects such as film, dance, and creative writing.

AUB’s vice-chancellor and chief executive, professor Lisa Mann, said: "We were thrilled to welcome Dame Rachel de Souza to Arts University Bournemouth to highlight the brilliant creative work being done through the Being a Boy project.

"The Being a Boy project champions the voices of young men, they are the experts on their masculinity and identity, and this visit provided a space for the young men to share their stories to create change.

Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and Jessica Toale MP (Image: Arts University Bournemouth)

"The young men spoke brilliantly and we’re very proud of them for sharing what they want to see for young men in the future."

The children's commissioner's office specifically sought out AUB’s participants for The Big Future Survey, a national inquiry into what young people want for their futures.

Dame Rachel and her team, alongside Jessica Toale MP, joined the young men for an informal roundtable Q&A in the University House Boardroom before meeting professor Mann to discuss the role of creative higher education in supporting youth outcome strategies and regional social mobility.

Dame Rachel de Souza said: "Childhood is changing rapidly.

"Mental health referrals have increased dramatically, more children are spending long periods of time online, and growing numbers require additional support in schools.

"The new government has an opportunity to deliver change for young people.

"The decisions they make in the coming months and years will shape what it’s like to grow up in England for years to come.

"We need to listen to children about their lives to understand the issues they face.

"We need to ask them what they want and act on it.

"I want as many young people as possible across Bournemouth to share their experiences so decision makers will sit up and take notice."

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) hosted Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza on July 20 for an exclusive roundtable discussion with young men participating in the university’s pioneering, award-winning Being a Boy project. (Image: Arts University Bournemouth)

Launched in 2022, Being a Boy has received national recognition for widening participation and has won two HELOA Best Practice Awards and a Silver HEIST Award.

The scheme provides young men from underrepresented backgrounds, including care leavers and young carers, with a safe space for creative expression and personal growth.

The children's commissioner’s visit is part of a national tour, gathering the views of young people on issues like social media, local opportunities, and outdoor activities.