Bernie Speaks

Audiences Remember

Keynotes, workshops and training sessions on masculinity, healthy relationships and what it means to grow up well. Tailored to your audience - whether that's a school assembly, a sports club or a corporate conference.

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Main Sessions

  • The core session. Bernie covers whatoftendrives unhealthymasculinity in boys:Man Box attitudes reinforced by stereotypes,the online figures they admire, the norms they absorb and whathappens when those go unchallenged. Topics include consent, theinfluence of porn, Aspirational Misogynists on social media, andthe patterns that lead to harmful relationships. Delivered withhumour,personal insights and reflections.Suitable for students,teachers and parents.

  • In 2012, Bernie's sister Sarah Gosling was killed by her partner Ian Hope, who is now serving a life sentence. This keynote draws directly on what happened to Sarah, how Hope's coercive control escalated gradually, the warning signs that were missed, and why Bernie now works with young people and teachers on the subject. It is his most personal session, and one of his most requested.

  • A session for young people on what controlling behaviour looks like and how it escalates. Bernie covers how online culture, relationship coaches, pornography, social media influencers, is driving an increase in controlling behaviours among young people, and how victims often don't realise what's happening until their lives have become significantly smaller. Covers how to recognise the signs and what to do if it's happening to you or someone you know.

  • Bernie was diagnosed with testicular cancer. This session is what came out of that, an honest conversation about men's physical and mental health, what gets in the way of men taking care of themselves, and what he learned about his own masculinity and asking for help.

  • “Culture is defined by the worst behaviour we tolerate” is the John Amaechi OBE quote that this workshop is built around. How do we build cultures within organisations that encourage respect and safety whilst enlisting the leadership of the members of that organisation? Using the Continuum of Harm and other allyship tools this workshop highlights everyone’s role in curating better cultures.

  • We are all somewhere on a continuum between empathy and judgement with the world,media and especially social media looking to divide us with click and rage-bait designedinto every scroll. How do we help people to tap into their humanity and see behind thedivision? By helping everyone switch on their Empathy Lightbulbs.

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How Bernie Works

Schools & Young People

Half-day and full-day workshops for students on masculinity, healthy relationships, online safety and sextortion. CPD sessions and INSET days for teachers and pastoral staff. Named workshops include Life By The Balls (with Orchid Cancer Care) and Rule of Thumb (with Refuge).

  • What Makes A Man / (Hu)Man.Session looking at how we grow under the influence of stereotypes and genderedexpectations – for male / mixed groups.

  • Domestic Violence / Coercive Control.Sessions considering the red flags of unhealthy relationship behaviours and developingan understanding of how coercive Control underpins all relationships where abusetakes place

  • Life By The Balls / Men’s Health

    Sessions looking at men’s health and testicular cancer (the most prevalent cancer riskamongst 15-44 year old males)

  • In a world that wants us to judge one another these sessions ask us to consider how weswitch on our empathy lightbulbs first

  • Professional development for staff teams to give your organisation a better knowledgeof the influences surrounding your young people and how to open debate around them.

  • Tailored solutions to support culture change within your organisation.

Bespoke options are also available to meet your needs, contact me to discuss further

Bespoke Sessions

Organisations & Sports Clubs

Bystander training and staff development for businesses, charities, sports clubs and community organisations. Bernie works with you beforehand to understand your context and tailor the session accordingly.

  • What Makes A Man / (Hu)Man.Session looking at how we grow under the influence of stereotypes and genderedexpectations – for male / mixed groups.

  • Domestic Violence / Coercive Control.Sessions considering the red flags of unhealthy relationship behaviours and developingan understanding of how coercive Control underpins all relationships where abusetakes place.

  • How to develop a culture where everyone feels empowered and informed in how tochallenge unhelpful behaviours and attitudes – in the teams and in the stadium

  • Working with your team and staff to challenge unhelpful, sexist and harmful attitudesand behaviours.

  • Safeguarding and behaviour change to ensure your club is safe for all members.

  • Organisations and Sports Clubs.(change the elements as below please)Changing Cultures.Working with your team and staff to challenge unhelpful, sexist and harmful attitudesand behaviours.Coaching Team Support.Safeguarding and behaviour change to ensure your club is safe for all members.Women’s Safety / Reducing VAWG.

  • Support for all members to become supportive of those under-represented or marginalised at your club.

Speaking & Events

Keynote speeches, conference talks and MC work for corporate events, charity dinners and professional conferences. Bernie is a Fellow of the Professional Speaking Association and a TEDx speaker.

  • Opening or closing your conference with huge impact.

  • Delivering professional MC / hosting services and delivering talks that will entertain andinspire your audience.

  • Powerful workshops and seminars which will educate and inspire your delegatestowards lasting change.

  • Online or in-person development sessions to enlighten, educate and empower yourstaff teams.

  • Working alongside your team to develop the solutions your organisation needs.

  • Support for all members to become supportive of those under-represented or marginalised at your organisation.