Investing in boys creates
measurable social impact
Young men today face increasing pressures that can affect their wellbeing, education, relationships and future opportunities. At Top Blokes, we believe that supporting boys early can create positive change that lasts well beyond the classroom.
In 2026, EY conducted an independent Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis of Top Blokes programs delivered between 2022 and 2025. The analysis estimated the broader social value generated through improvements in wellbeing, school engagement, relationships and healthy behaviours.
The findings suggest that investing in boys through Top Blokes programs creates significant social impact for young men, their schools and the wider community.
The headline results
$19.2 MILLION IN ESTIMATED SOCIAL VALUE
We see the impact our programs have on young men every day. Now we’ve got independent analysis that helps put a number on it.
An independent EY analysis of Top Blokes programs delivered between 2022 and 2025 estimates that a $5.5 million investment generated $19.2 million in social value. That means for every $1 invested between $2.95 and $4.15 was generated back in social value.
Even under more conservative assumptions, both programs continued to demonstrate strong positive returns.
COMBINED IMPACT
15,982 YOUNG MEN
participated in Top Blokes programs
between 2022 and 2025.
$19.2 MILLION
in estimated social value was generated through a $5.5 million investment in program delivery.
$2.95 & $4.15 SOCIAL VALUE
The amount every dollar invested in Top Blokes programs generated in social value.
Download the report
Read the independent EY Social Return on Investment analysis to learn more about the methodology, findings and assumptions underpinning the report.
DOWNLOADWhat changed for young men?
The analysis identified positive changes across several areas of young men’s lives.
Wellbeing
Participants reported improvements in:
- Confidence and self-belief
- Emotional awareness and regulation
- Understanding of mental health
- Healthy decision-making
- Overall quality of life
Education
School engagement is a key protective factor for young people.
The analysis estimated that more than improved their engagement with school following participation in Top Blokes programs.
Participants reported increased motivation, stronger connections with school and greater confidence in their ability to succeed.
Belonging
Strong relationships help young people navigate challenges and build resilience. Participants reported:
- Stronger peer relationships
- Increased confidence to seek support
- Greater understanding of respectful relationships
- Improved ability to support friends
- Reduced experiences of bullying and victimisation
Community Impact
By supporting young men before challenges escalate, early intervention can contribute to broader community benefits.
The analysis identified social value associated with improved wellbeing, increased educational engagement and reduced reliance on additional support services.
what is social value?
estimating the broader benefits created for individuals, schools and communities.
It goes beyond direct financial outcomes and considers the positive impact that programs can have on wellbeing, education, relationships and long-term life outcomes.
Examples of social value include improved quality of life, better engagement with education, healthier behaviours, stronger relationships and social connections and reduced social harms.
Social value should not be interpreted as direct cash savings or profit. Instead, it provides a way of understanding the broader impact created through positive social outcomes.
WHAT YOUNG MEN TOLD US
The strongest evidence of impact comes from the young men themselves.
Top Blokes
10–13 Program
78% said the program improved parts of their lives.
The most impactful workshops focused on:
Peer pressure and risk-taking
Anger management
Leadership and teamwork
Top Blokes
14–17 Program
75% said the program improved parts of their lives.
The most impactful workshops focused on:
Mental health
Effects of drugs
Leadership and teamwork
How was the analysis conducted?
EY used participant survey data collected before and after program participation to identify reported changes in behaviour, attitudes and wellbeing.
These changes were then mapped against peer-reviewed research and established economic evidence to estimate the broader social value associated with those outcomes.
The analysis focused on outcomes across wellbeing and quality of life, school engagement, healthy behaviours, bullying and victimisation and community participation.
IMPORTANT CONTEXT
The findings are based on independent economic modelling and participant-reported outcomes. The analysis estimates Top Blokes’ contribution to positive outcomes and the social value associated with those outcomes. It should not be interpreted as proof of direct causation or guaranteed long-term outcomes for every participant.