Young people trained up to tackle bullying in their schools

Anti-bullying initiative at a school in Rochdale

Over 100 children and staff members from Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Lancashire today, 2 March, met at Matthew Moss High School in Rochdale to discuss bullying and receive training from The Diana Award team to become Anti-Bullying Ambassadors for their school.

The Diana Award is a charity legacy to Princess Diana’s belief that young people have the power to change their world.

The session included discussion and active involvement from both children and teachers covering topics such as understanding the issues of bullying, gaining inspiration from other schools, developing skills to support others and an action plan to take things forward.

Katy Hill, Trutex anti-bullying representative, gave an inspiring speech to the students, encouraging them to never be scared to be themselves. She went on to say: “As a parent I think today’s initiatives are essential in raising awareness around the subject of bullying. The work that The Diana Award is doing is ground breaking in terms of raising this issue with both pupils and teachers. I can’t think of another programme that empowers in such a positive way and addresses this problem that affects nearly one in three children in the UK.”

Many of the students who took part in the event have been subjected to bullying. Others understand the effect it can have on their peers and want to help however they can.

Bethanie-Mai Abbott-Moore, a 14-year-old student at Matthew Moss, said: “This event is important to me because I suffered with bullying at my old school. Here at Matthew Moss I feel safe and today’s programme is brilliant, it means I can learn how to give tips and support to someone who needs help.”

Anti-bullying Ambassador Theo Huwson Betts, also 14, attends Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School and was on hand to answer questions and help other students. Inspired by watching a programme about The Diana Award, he has been an ambassador for three years. He said: “It is important for children to have someone to talk to, a friend who understands what they are going through, someone they can trust. The Diana Award programme gives you the confidence to help, it is kids helping other kids.”

Matthew Easter, managing director Trutex, said: “We are very aware of the negative impact bullying can have. It is for this reason that we have decided to partner with The Diana Award and their significant commitment to helping students through training, mentoring and support programmes. Our newly launched anti-bullying initiative #bTRU2u will help further support anti-bullying in our schools and communities.”

Tessy Ojo, CEO of The Diana Award, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Trutex on this initiative. We know the positive and life-changing impact our anti-bullying programme has – it’s about giving young people the skills to regulate their own behaviour as well as giving them the responsibility for the wellbeing of their peers.

"This is a particularly special year for the Diana Award as, twenty years on, we celebrate her qualities of kindness, compassion and service. The young people being trained today will be putting these qualities into practical action.”

The event was hosted by the Matthew Moss High School and attended by pupils and teachers from Kingsway Park School, Rochdale, Harwood Primary School, Heywood, Lymm High School, Outhrington, Lymm, Hilton Lane Primary, Worsley, St Mary’s Catholic School, Tyldesley and Blessed Trinity College, Burnley.