PUPILS at SGS Forest High School have taken part in a series of workshops aimed at preventing violence against women and girls.

On Tuesday, January 13, 45 Year 10 students joined the Your View Your Voice programme, a multi-agency initiative supported by Forest of Dean District Council.

The sessions focused on tackling issues such as rape, stalking, domestic abuse and revenge porn, all of which disproportionately affect women and girls.

Female students took part in a high-energy self-defence session led by Forest Fighting Fit Boxing and Fitness.

The session taught practical techniques and strategies to help students protect themselves in challenging situations, while boosting their confidence and awareness.

Meanwhile, male students joined the Hollie Gazzard Trust for a workshop called Rethinking Masculinity. The session explored the pressures and expectations placed on men and boys, encouraging young men to reflect on how stereotypes can influence behaviour and relationships.

Topics included healthy communication, respect, and understanding consent, with a focus on promoting positive attitudes in everyday life.

All students also took part in Active Bystander training. This gave them the skills to recognise situations that could escalate and guidance on how to intervene safely and effectively.

The training emphasised the importance of speaking up, supporting peers, and making responsible choices when faced with potentially harmful situations.

Forest of Dean District Council said the workshops are part of its ongoing work to educate young people and help build safer communities.

Last year, a similar programme was held at Hartpury College, reaching students with the same mix of self-defence, masculinity awareness, and bystander training.

The workshops aim to empower students to make positive choices in their daily lives, to recognise and support friends who may be at risk, and to confidently challenge unsafe or harmful behaviour in their communities.