Bully Free Zone Blog

Little Gossip or Little Bully?

2011-02-07T11:27:00.000Z

A college in Bristol has blocked a controversial website which has been used by pupils as a tool to bully their peers. The City of Bristol College has blocked access to the website from computers based at their site.

The website in question, LittleGossip.com, was launched in November 2010 and has been heavily criticised over usage of the site to spread rumours and gossip – including naming the person and their school, college, etc. LittleGossip allows 'gossip' to be posted anonymously.

Since the public controversy, the website has removed all schools from the listing and made a recommendation that the site only be used by over 18s. Despite doing this, some college students are still being targeted by their peers.

The website claims “to encourage meaningful conversation” and features a report button that can aid in the removal of hateful comments.

But is this enough?

What is the role of a bystander?

2011-01-11T11:04:00.000Z

If you don’t know what a bystander is, it’s someone who witnesses an act of bullying. If you know bullying is happening, but don’t do anything about it, that can be as bad as the bullying itself.

At Bully Free Zone and across the anti-bullying sector, we try our best to pass the message on that bystanders must act. We don’t mean you should jump in and stop a bully if they’re physically attacking someone, but you could go and get help. In schools, there is sometimes a culture where the other young people stand around shouting ‘fight’. If just one of those young people went to get a teacher, maybe something can be done to stop what is happening.

When Carol Hill, a dinner lady, pulled a group of boys away from attacking a 7 year old girl with a skipping rope, she didn’t stand by and watch it happen. She stopped the incident.

On seeing the girl’s parents outside of school, Mrs Hill, after the school informed the parents of a ‘skipping rope incident’, told them that she believed it to be an act of bullying. This was considered a breach of ‘pupil confidentiality’ by the school and Mrs Hill was later sacked.

After a battle to save her job, Mrs Hill won a case of unfair dismissal last week, which should allow her to return to her job.

I will ask again, what IS the role of a bystander? As an adult employee at the school, does Mrs Hill have a responsibility to help ensure the safety of its pupils? When faced with parents who know only what they’ve been told and perhaps not the full story, would you act any differently? If it had been another parent who had witnessed the bullying and passed on the information, would they have been in as much trouble?

We believe bullying is EVERYONE’S responsibility, if you see it happen, you can help stop it.

NCB Now: Report on bullying of children with SEN

2011-01-11T10:51:00.000Z

An evidence review from the Anti-Bullying Alliance and the University of Cambridge has confirmed children with special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities are disproportionately at risk of being bullied.

Researchers studied the literature on the bullying of children with SEN and/or disabilities as part of a larger project to discover what works in tackling the bullying of these children in schools.

Some groups of children are shown as having experienced significant levels of bullying including, 83 per cent of children with learning difficulties, 82 per cent of children who are disfluent (those with a stammer), 59 per cent of them at least once a week, and 91 per cent for name calling.

The report says adults generally underestimate the amount of bullying these children experience, and that the practicalities of implementing intervention strategies challenges schools. Recommendations include schools focusing more on the social context of bullying; direct work on communication skills and new approaches to dealing with difference.

For more information, visit www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk.

Article from: Children & Young People Now (11 January 2011)

National Bullying Helpline - Closed!

2011-01-11T10:47:00.001Z

The National Bullying Helpline was set up by Christine and David Pratt when Christine realised the impact bullying in the workplace has on industry. Since then it has seen an increase in workload and difficulty in securing funding. As well as a controversial political row in which Pratt claimed the charity had received calls from Downing Street staff.

Despite the row over whether the charity broke confidentiality, by revealing details of calls, being some time ago, the charity is still being investigated by the Charity Commission.

Due to the funding issues and the recent resignation of Christine Pratt as chief executive, the charity has now closed.

Articles about this: Civil Society | The Press Association

As part of the work we do at Bully Free Zone, we offer a telephone helpline for parents, schools and young people themselves to call up on how to deal with issues of bullying. Whilst we primarily work in Bolton and Blackpool, we do accept calls from further afield.

Our helpline number is: 01204 454958

Party, Party, Party!

2010-12-13T16:30:00.000Z

So yeah Saturday night was really good we raised over £480 pounds at the Fundraising Disco for Bully Free Zone. We had everything from face painting and raffles to the good old karaoke sing-song, some great things happened like when Jenneh won the mystery envelope prize. Inside were v.i.p tickets for two to Bolton Little Theatre to see a production of her choice. I suspect she will take her boyfriend.

Also, I helped raise over £100 that night selling the tickets for the mystery envelope. The dance off between Kev and Jenneh was legendary, so funny. One of the young people, Colette, whose family organised the event said, “it was fun and exciting i enjoyed singing on the karaoke“.

A big thank you to everyone who came and got involved, especially the volunteers and Colette’s grandma, Jean.

Written by Tom.

One great reason for helping Children in Need

2010-11-29T12:12:00.000Z

FUN and frolics today will bring in millions of pounds for Children in Need — which will then be distributed up and down the country to causes which make a real difference to people’s lives.

One of those to have benefited from Children in Need funding is Boltonbased Bully Free Zone, which has helped hundreds of children and families — and even saved lives.

In the past six years the charity, based in Chorley New Road, has received around £30,000 a year from Children in Need.

Without the grant and other similar sources of funding, the charity would not be able to continue its work in helping victims of bullying.

Since establishing itself 14 years ago, the charity has become an integral part of services available to children and families in Bolton.

Project co-ordinator Kev Walsh said: “This funding is absolutely vital to the Family Support Project we have. Bully Free Zone depends solely on grant funding. We do not get funding from the council or other agencies, although we have referrals from the local authority, the health service and schools.”

He added: “Bully Free Zone has saved lives. We have had young people who have expressed committing suicide or harming themselves. They are now confident and happy and living their lives.”

Many of the young people who have been helped by the charity are now volunteers with Bully Free Zone.
The charity also works with perpetrators of bullying, helping them to deal with issues such as anger management and peer pressure. It also helps set up prevention schemes in schools.

Unfortunately, the Children in Need funding will run out in April and the charity will have to look for other sources of funding to carrying on its work.

Mr Walsh said the charity needed the help of the community and appealed to businesses to lend their expertise as well as local people.

Children in Need mascot Pudsey Bear kickstarted the marathon fundraising effort in Bolton today. The bear will be taken to primary schools to collect money raised by children who wore yellow for the day and took part in “baking a bear”.

He made a surprise visit to The Oaks in Sharples yesterday and today he will revisit the school, along with Sharples Primary and Gaskell Street Primary to collect the money.

Also getting in on the act today will be St Paul’s CE Primary in Astley Bridge, which is organising a St Paul’s has got Talent event for staff and pupils.

Chris Baldwin, community colleague at Asda, said: “We get behind Children in Need every year and this year hope to raise more money than ever before.

“Children are paying a £1 to wear yellow and have been given plastic cutters to make Pudsey to sell to family and friends.”

● Anybody who can help Bully Free Zone by holding fundraising events — or businesses which can help — can contact the charity on 01204 454 958.

(From The Bolton News)

Reduce Bullying? Teach Human Rights.

2010-11-02T14:54:00.000Z

Unicef project in hundreds of UK schools helps to foster calmer classrooms and a reduction in bullying and truancy.

Teaching children about their human rights can reduce bullying and exclusions, improve relations with teachers and create a calmer atmosphere for learning, according to an academic study published today.

A Unicef UK project running in more than 1,000 schools across Britain teaches pupils about their rights and responsibilities, and encourages them to draw up charters for classroom behaviour.

The first evaluation of the project since its launch in 2004 has found that its introduction was accompanied by a fall in truancy and an improvement in results at schools with a high proportion of children on free school meals.

The evidence is highlighted in a three-year study of the Rights Respecting School Award (RRSA), undertaken by researchers at the universities of Sussex and Brighton.

In a study of 31 schools, researchers found that there was "little or no shouting" and that conflicts between pupils escalated far less frequently than they had done before the schools adopted the new approach. Fixed-term exclusions decreased in 13 schools, stabilised in three, and five reported no exclusions, the study says.

Pupils increasingly took part in making decisions, ranging from debates about the state of the playground to discussions on staff appointments. In some schools, pupils showed candidates for teaching jobs around the school and identified questions they wanted to ask.

Pupils also gave feedback after candidates for teaching jobs gave sample lessons.

Anita Tiessen, deputy executive director of Unicef UK, said: "It is wrong that all children in the UK don't learn about their rights. Today's evaluation report shows what a profound effect it can have not only on children, but teachers, school leaders, governors and parents."

Meanwhile, research published today by the educational charity the Sutton Trust finds that poor children are twice as likely to start school with behaviour problems, compared with their more privileged peers. More than a third (35%) of the poorest three-year-old boys displayed behaviour problems, compared with one in six (15%) of those living in richer households, the study says.

The research, by Elizabeth Washbrook of Bristol University, asked parents to rate their child's behaviour in terms of hyperactivity and inattention, problems with conduct, emotional symptoms, and peer-related problems.

By the age of seven, 22% of the poorest boys still suffered from behaviour problems, compared towith 10% of those from richer homes.

Amongst girls, the rates were lower, but nearly a third of the poorest girls exhibited symptoms of behaviour problems at the age of three, which dropped to a fifth at age seven.

The research suggests that the gap in behaviour between poorer and wealthier children has widened over the last 10 years. Girls from low-income families who were born in the early 1990s were twice as likely to display behavioural problems than their peers at age seven. Those born around the millennium were three-and-a-half times as likely to show such symptoms.

Behaviour problems are more common among children from disadvantaged backgrounds, the study says, and the differences between rich and poor are starkest at the age of three, before children begin school.

Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of the education charity Sutton Trust, said: "This study builds on earlier evidence from the trust showing that children from poorer homes are already one year behind their middle-income peers on cognitive tests when they start school.

"We now know that disadvantaged children are also much more likely to have difficult and challenging behaviour. It is no wonder that the gaps in achievement grow during primary school.

"More than anything, the research shows once again why it is so important to intervene pre-school to stem problems before they develop."

Taken from Guardian.co.uk

"It's not a sign of weakness" - Susan Boyle

2010-11-01T14:14:00.001Z

Susan Boyle has revealed that she considered suicide after she became a victim of bullies as a teenager.

The Scots singer admitted that she had suffered from psychological bullying and seeked professional help to overcome her ordeal.

She told the News of the World: "When I was 17 I did think about doing something nasty. It was all psychological. I was damaged.

"I had to get help from a professional. I also had to see a doctor who gave me treatment."

She added: "You mustn't be afraid to do that. It's not a sign of weakness.

"It gave me the confidence to fight back, knock on people's doors, audition and finally get what I wanted.

"In my case it was a small group of teenage girls that put me to that place. They're the worst kind. It can really hold you back and damage you. Mental bullying is the worst kind of bullying."

The Britain's Got Talent star added that she "will not let fame" change her and added that it is "nicer to stay grounded".

This article has been taken from www.stv.tv.

Thank You Everyone!

2010-11-01T13:52:00.000Z

We’d like to say a huge thank you for all of the donations made over the last 12 months.

A particular thanks to all of the young people, volunteers and friends of Bully Free Zone who have helped raise money during the numerous bag packing and supermarket collection events we've held. Collectively we've raised over £2000 at Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsburys stores around Bolton.

Thanks also to Sunninghill School for generously donating proceeds from their school fair and allowing us to hold a stall there on the day, raising over £300 in total.

Thank you to The Gates school, Rivington & Blackrod High School, Watergate Toll Toby Carvery, Nat West and Brian Iddon (ex-MP of Bolton) for making donations or holding fundraising events in order to raise money for us.

Thanks to all of the many people who have sponsored our young people and volunteers during our annual sponsored walk event and to everyone who has donated through our Virgin Money Giving page. Especially to Gary Neville for providing us with signed Manchester United football shirts which helped in raising money.

A massive thank you to all of the people of Bolton and beyond who donated money during all of these events.

Fighting Back

2010-10-04T12:16:00.002+01:00

Has anyone ever told you to fight back if you're being bullied? If someone hits you, hit them back? It seems a common piece of advice that parents, grandparents and siblings alike pass on to their relatives when they're being picked on. But is it the right thing to do?

Bully Free Zone says no.

Here's an example of only one of the reasons why fighting back is not the answer.

Girl suspended after reacting to "bullying"

AN ANGRY dad who claims his daughter has been the victim of cruel school bullies has slammed council chiefs after she was suspended from lessons for “fighting back”.

Roy Graham insists his 12-year-old girl Samantha has suffered bullying since she was a pupil at Heriot Primary, in Paisley, and the problems have continued after she moved on to Gleniffer High after the summer break.

He was horrified when Samantha was handed a two-day suspension by Gleniffer High staff for fighting with another pupil.

Mr Graham claims that his daughter was merely defending herself and he is now locked in a war of words with the school in a bid to have the punishment quashed.

He took Samantha along to Gleniffer High yesterday morning – the first day of the ban – but was refused entry by school staff.

Mr Graham said: “They are treating my daughter as the aggressor and that’s not on.
“In my eyes, she has done nothing wrong, so why are they denying her a right to education?”

The Paisley man claims Samantha was targeted by a bully last week.

He said that, when the school bell rang, Samantha made her way to the top of a staircase and was pushed from behind.

Mr Graham then alleges that a bully caught up with his daughter at the foot of the stairs and started to thump her.

But, when Samantha “defended herself”, it was the other girl who ended up on the floor.

The incident was brought to the attention of school staff and Samantha, along with the other pupil, was suspended.

Mr Graham, of Foxbar Road, said: “Kids can only take so much. It was only after many bullying incidents that Samantha hit back.

“She is not a troublemaker and never received so much as a punishment exercise in seven years of primary school.

“I’m told that the other girl involved in this incident had just returned to school after serving another suspension for thumping someone else.”

After being refused entry to Gleniffer High yesterday, Mr Graham and Samantha visited the education department at Renfrewshire Council.

He said: “I told them about the situation and they promised to investigate but I don’t hold out much hope for a successful outcome.”

However, a spokesman for Renfrewshire Council defended the decision to hand Samantha a suspension.

He said: “The council has a strong anti-bullying policy which is operated by all our schools. We fully investigate all allegations of bullying.

“Statements were taken from pupils who witnessed the incident and they gave a consistent account of what had happened.

“In the light of these statements and after considering the full background to the case, the school has taken appropriate action.”

Taken from http://www.paisleydailyexpress.co.uk

Fighting back can cause you and/or someone else to get hurt, like Samantha you may end up in serious trouble and if you're being bullied, the last thing I imagine you would want is to be labelled the bully.

The most important thing you can do if you're being bullied is to TELL SOMEONE!

'David V Goliath' opera receives anti-Bullying award

2010-10-01T10:40:00.000+01:00

A rock musical performed by children in West Oxfordshire has received national recognition.

'David V Goliath' has been given the The Diana Anti-Bullying Award, presented by author Philip Pullman.

The play was originally performed for four sold out nights at the Witney Corn Exchange by pupils of The Witchwood School of Rock.

Writer Lee Wyatt-Buchan believed it was the play's strong message that led to its rave reviews.

"The idea was to write a musical that had a point," he told BBC Oxford.

"My real motivation was to write a musical for schools and I thought a good idea would be to focus it on bullying."

Robin Martin-Oliver directed the show which included a cast of 20, with performers aged between ten and 17 years, with one adult performer.

Schools nationwide will now have access to the script and score of 'David V Goliath', as per the writer's original vision.

"We still want to work with schools and have school packs available to use as a tool to talk about how to deal with bullying. It's so important, it's so difficult to deal with and this is a fun way.

"Obviously it's rock music so it's current and from what we've seen with our young cast - who were fantastic - they really responded well with the script and the music and the message."

The Anti-Bullying Alliance came to view the show in April and subsequently put it forward for the award.

"A month later through the post we had the letter saying we'd won the national anti-bullying award from the Diana charity so we were really stoked."

Lee Wyatt-Buchan has since signed a contract with producers in London to bring the musical to a wider audience.

A UK tour will take place next Autumn, with a London run in early 2012. The show will be featuring a professional cast but the emphasis will be on casting new talent.

"We as a creative team are so proud of the guys to get this far," said Lee Wyatt-Buchan.

"To win this award is fantastic."

(article taken from the BBC News)

Coming Out of the other side of bullying

2010-09-17T11:34:00.000+01:00

Young people are bullied for a variety of different reasons; it might be because someone is overweight, can't afford to buy the same clothes as everyone else in their school or doesn't have the right hairstyle. But some people are bullied for reasons that are part of who they are and are impossible to control - their name, the colour of their skin, even their sexuality.

A young person who is bullied because of their sexuality is 12% more likely to be absent from school due to bullying and more likely to drop out of education (NUT/Schools Out research). This video was created by Stonewall about a youth volunteer who, after being bullied in school, has used her experiences to run a campaign in Dorset.

Top Tips To Dealing With Bullying

2010-09-14T10:34:00.003+01:00

The academic year has begun and children throughout the country are returning to school; starting new classes, spending time with old friends and for some, going back to a place where bullying happens every day. Bullying happens in school and the home (e.g. cyberbullying). It happens in the open and behind closed doors. It happens in groups and with individuals. No two incidents are identical.

But what is bullying?

Bullying is any action that has the intention to cause physical or emotional harm and happens regularly. It hurts, frightens and upsets people, and it doesn’t have to go on for a long time to do this.

Incidents of bullying can include:

Kicking
Name Calling
Making Threats
Spreading rumours
Taking people’s things
Leaving People Out
Hitting
Racism
Nasty text messages

What are the signs of bullying?

Someone who is being bullied might:

Not want to go to school.
Begin truanting.
Often feel ill.
Suddenly become ill when it’s time for school.
Be frightened to walk to and from school.
Begin to lose interest in their schoolwork.
'Lose' possessions at school.
Stop communicating with their parents (particularly after school).
Change their behaviour, e.g. become aggressive, withdrawn, anxious, etc.
Lose their appetite.
Have regular nightmares and/or begin bed-wetting.
Ask for money or begin to steal money.
Bully younger brothers/sisters.
Attempt suicide.

What to do if you are being bullied?

If you're being bullied follow this simple guide:

Tell someone!!!
We understand that you might be scared but sharing the problem gives you someone to talk to and someone to help you to sort it out.
Remember: Telling someone that you are being bullied is NOT telling tales.
Write down what is happening to you and how you feel about it in a diary.
If you are scared, ask your parents to talk to your teacher.
Tell your friends so that they can support you.
DON’T fight back – you will only end up in trouble.
DON’T blame yourself - remember no-one deserves to be bullied.

For more information about how to deal with bullying (including more detailed information about cyberbulying and homophobic bullying) visit our website: http://bullyfreezone.co.uk

2010-08-17T10:34:00.001+01:00

v are on the hunt for amazing volunteers aged 16-25, who might be in with a chance of getting a vinspired National Award. They really need people like YOU to spread the word about the National Awards, get people nominating, and get volunteers recognised all around England.

Anyone can nominate young volunteers, you don't have to be 16-25 to put someone up for an award!

Head over to http://vinspired.com/rewards/nationalawards to nominate online and get all the info you need on the categories and the nomination process.

Nominations close on 30th September, so get nominating now!

Save A Smile Campaign!

2010-05-17T21:45:00.003+01:00

On Monday 10th May, Bully Free Zone launched a new awareness and fund-raising campaign with the help of long-serving Manchester United defender Gary Neville.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of bullying and how young people who are victims of bullying often have nothing to smile about. The charity calls for people to share the things that make them smile via the Save a Smile website as well as look at ways they can raise much needed funding for the charity.

To find out more visit http://www.saveasmile.co.uk

Like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001049611555&ref=profile&v=info#!/pages/Save-A-Smile/117052411662902?ref=ts

Live UnLtd Funding Scheme!

2010-05-17T21:44:00.001+01:00

Last week a new exciting funding scheme was launched for young people....

Live UnLtd aims to show that young people are the solutions to the problems faced in their communities through empowering them to run their own community projects. We currently have funding available for young people between 16-18yr olds [11-18yr olds from Aug2010 onwards] to apply for awards of up to £2000 for projects that have a positive social impact on their community. In every application we look for achievability of the project; the motivation of the individual and how much social impact the idea will have on the community. Please note that anyone applying who is under 17yrs old will need an advisor to help them to run their project.

Each month, the Youth Leadership Team living across the north (aged 16-25), will decide which youth lead projects will be funded and how much money will be awarded per project. The basic criteria for an award is:

∙ Must be 16 – 18 years old [11-18yr olds from Aug2010 onwards]

∙ Must be living in England

∙ Must be applying as an individual or an informal group for a new project idea

∙ Must have a positive social impact on the community

Applications are accepted all year round and applicants will be notified with the final decision from the youth leadership team within 4 weeks.

The next deadline for applications is Wednesday 12^th May and for your information the next one will be in June.

For further information please contact me directly on 07540413911 or visit the website on www.liveunltd.com

Volunteers Facebook Page

2010-03-10T10:41:00.005Z

A member on Facebook? Why not join the Bully Free Zone Volunteers Facebook page.

We will keep the page up to date with volunteer information - events, activities and discussions.

If you're interesting in helping to keep the BFZ Volunteer Facebook page up to date, then join the group and let us know!

2010-02-04T11:05:00.003Z

It's now become even easier to raise money for Bully Free Zone with our new Virgin Money Giving page.

Virgin Money Giving is a new website run by Virgin Money that makes fundraising easier then it has ever been. You can set up a sponsorship page in minutes and link it to your Facebook page so all your friends can support you, no matter where in the world they are, with just a couple of clicks. You can update the page regularly with your own content, links and photos all the while knowing that the money you are raising is helping to support a worthwhile charity. Virgin Money Giving will even sort out boring things like Gift Aid for you so you don't have to.

Why not give it a go today. Think of something you can do to raise some cash for BFZ. From sponsored walks or a sponsored swim, to a sponsored Halo 3 marathon or sponsored sit. Use your imagination, maybe get a few friends together and do something as a group. If you need any help, ideas or anything else then let Bully Free Zone know.

Good luck and make sure you keep us updated.

2010-01-15T11:38:00.000Z

Reach Your Potential With v20

Recruiting Now: v20 Season 5

We are seeking Enthusiastic, Motivated and committed young people!! – No Experience Necessary.

Since we launched in May 2006 v has achieved great things – making a massive and lasting difference to the world of youth volunteering. Our v20 Youth Advisory Board members can take us even further. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a difference, and build the kind of experience you won’t find anywhere else. As part of v20, young people can be at the heart of the organisation, making sure we remain relevant and responsive to young people’s needs. Last year’s v20 hosted our National Conference, rubbed shoulders with the stars at the vinspired National Awards and had loads of fun during residential weekends.

v20 influence the work of v and ensure that it remains focused on young people. v20 advise v and help v to meet its goals to:

Increase the numbers of young people volunteering
Improving volunteering opportunities for young people
Increase the diversity of young volunteers.
Act as a youth volunteering ambassador

Volunteering with v20 brings huge opportunities for both personal and organisational development. It requires time, dedication, energy, creativity and a good sense of humour! Previous seasons have worked with all sorts of people from all sorts of backgrounds so flexibility and tolerance is much in demand. v20 bring all of these qualities and more to v.

In return for volunteering with v we’ll make every effort to harness young people’s talent for the benefit of youth volunteering. We do everything we can to make the v20 experience both challenging and fun. Through volunteering to be part of v20 young people can make a genuine difference, gain lifelong friends, not to mention make history.

The Application form and Guidance Notes are available to be downloaded from our website at http://vinspired.com/v20/pages/v20-recruiting-now

In order to be considered for a position on the v20 Youth Advisory Board, applicants must be:

Aged 16 – 24 yrs (when you apply)
Resident in England

To make the most of the opportunity, they should be willing to

Volunteer for 1 year (April 2010-April 2011): this will be split up with 8 weekend residentials, plus minimum of 10 hours per month extra (either online or face to face).
Able to represent their own views, not those of an organisation, group or other project.
Willing to travel to locations across England (with v organising and paying for travel)

Closing date for applications: 5pm on Wednesday 17th February

If you are aware of any young people who may be interested in joining the v20 Youth Advisory Board, please forward link to the application form which is downloadable from our website. If you have any questions about the form, contact Gary Brunskill at gary.brunskill@vinspired.com

Completed forms must be posted / emailed to WJP Floyd Ltd (the nice people sorting out the recruitment): At one of these addresses:

Postal address:

WJP Floyd Ltd
1 Gunpowder Square,
Fleet Street,
London, EC4A 3EP

Email address: v@wjpfloyd.co.uk

More information about the v20 season 5 Opportunity is on our website. At http://vinspired.com/v20/pages/v20-recruiting-now

Kind regards

The vinspired Team

Volunteer Reporters Needed

2009-12-08T12:36:00.000Z

The Youth Action Network, have an exciting opportunity for your young people:

The role is a volunteer reporter. 16 – 25 age restriction.

YP will receive training and be given a camera and digital recording equipment. They will then go out and interview youth projects and write about what is happening in their area. They can also travel all overEngland if they want to it’s a very flexible opportunity and we lots of personal development along the journey.

If you have any young people that you think would be suited for this volunteer role please contact me ASAP we only have 5 opportunities left.

All expenses will be covered.

For more information please email Mukith Miah ( mukith@youthactionnetwork.org.uk ).

NewTube (ish)

2009-12-03T13:14:00.002Z

Yes I know you all know that Bully Free Zone has a YouTube account but you haven't seen the new channel look. Head on over to http://www.youtube.com/bullyfreezone and take a look. Tell us what you thinkin the comments section (click the comments link at the top of this post)

Opportunities with the Youth Action Network

2009-09-24T12:40:00.001+01:00

Youth Action Network have two really existing new national volunteer roles

The first is a reporter role; you will be provided with a camera and receive training in how to collect case studies on Youth Action. These case studies will be published on the Youth Action Network website and showcase projects around the country which are good at delivering youth action and allow the young people involved a say in the project.

The second role will involve inspiring youth action and training organisations and young people around youth action to ensure that the organisations in our network are delivering the best quality of youth action to their young people as possible and allow the young people to have a voice in their volunteering.

Young people will have the opportunity to:

Receive training for both roles outlined above
Inspire Youth Action in your local community
Travel around the country delivering workshops on youth action
Travel around the country to attend socials with other young volunteers in the network
Attend residential weekends to receive training and social residentials
Act as reporters and advocates for the Youth Action movement
Full expenses

Get involved

There will be a recruitment day in Birmingham on the 17th of October if you know any young people that may be interested in this opportunity please contact Mukith Miah at mukith@youthactionnetwork.org.uk 0121 455 9732 / 07852 955319

Finally Getting Round To It

2009-08-24T11:10:00.002+01:00

So after eventually getting round to doing something productive with my summer I've joined 'Bully Free Zone' in Bolton town centre. Following my first meeting with Pete at the not-to-be-much-longer main house on Palace Street, the following Friday I had my first meeting with some more regular and long standing volunteers, Jenneh, Sarah, Nayan and Alisa.

The main emphasis of the meeting was to think of some ideas for, activities and events which could be done to raise the profile of BFZ and to provide entertainment for children who benefit from the time and effort BFZ provides for them.

After much fumbling about and Jaffa cake eating we eventually came up with some ideas (after much prompt from Pete...) using the handouts and volunteered for activities already suggested that we do and those which we felt we could do, hence why I’m writing this blog. Ideas suggested and volunteered for included:

Fundraising events
'Film Night'
A Video production
A drama production
Etc...

It was then decided that the following Thursday (6/8/09) we would meet and work on the video production as well as a viewing of the new head office on Chorley Old Road. Much fun ensued…

from the Chris @ BFZ blog

Guess-the-google! Addiction Alert!

2009-08-11T12:42:00.001+01:00

Possibly one of the most addictive things i have come across online for a while. Give it a go and see if you can beat the high score.

Guess-the-Google

A letter

2009-07-25T17:17:00.002+01:00

Occasionally we receive letters and emails from people we have worked with in the past thanking Bully free Zone for the work we have done to help them. We'd like to share them with you every so often so lets begin today with this one from a Girl we worked with a few years ago.

Dear BFZ,

I suffered from severe bullying consistently throughout high school. This started small with petty name calling, and pushing, but as it continued got worse and worse with each year. By the time I was in year 10 a group of girls had made a malicious website about me which was both racist and crude. This was passed around to everyone in my High School. Despite this the teachers didn`t manage to put an end to the abuse, and by year 11 a large group of pupils planned to follow me home and attack me. Although the incident happened just over four years ago, I still remember it as if it were yesterday. I was faced with the bullies alone, and had no choice but to fight back.

That experience was one of the most frightening ones of my life, to know that you one are almost against the entire school and that even your friends were too frightened to stand up for you. In defending myself one of the bullies ended up worse off than myself and took the matter to court. I hoped that this would be the end of the bullying and that the courts would see just how frightened I was but unfortunately I was wrongly convicted as they stated that I had defended myself “too much”. The bullying didn`t stop there either. When I returned to school I had to get escorted from lesson to lesson, eat my lunch alone, and even leave 10 minutes earlier to prevent them from attacking me again. One of the bullies stated that now I had a conviction I could never go on to college or be a lawyer like I had always dreamed of being.

I am telling you this story, as it was during this time that I was given a 3 months probation sentence and was working with a member of your team, Pete. I worked with Pete over a number of months and engaged in a number of different activities which allowed me time and space to be able to express myself, in the end I produced a poem called “I know” which has featured on the BFZ website.

Producing that piece of writing was very therapeutic for me and helped me to deal with my feelings. I will never forget how difficult those years of my life were, and how much BFZ helped me.

I am now studying Creative and Professional Writing in London and am about to go into my final year. I will never forget what you have done for me!

Yours Sincerely,

D

Girl bullied to death for being "too pretty"

2009-07-17T09:34:00.003+01:00

A 15-year-old girl jumped off a bridge to her death after suffering years of "extreme" bullying at school because of her good looks, her mother claimed.

Simone Grice leapt 40ft off a bridge to her death after suffering years of bullying, despite the pleas of two passers-by.

The teenager had recently been removed from school to be home tutored after suffering at the hands of a group of girls who were, according to Simones mother Linda, 45, "jealous of her good looks".

Read more here

Help prevent more deaths like Simones by supporting the work of Bully Free Zone, Make a donation today. DONATE

Can you help young people to 'Follow the Heard'?

2009-07-14T11:13:00.001+01:00

As part of Bully free Zone's Follow the Heard campaign we are looking for short stories, poems, case studies, play scripts etc that can provide inspiration to the thousands of young people who are bullied on a daily basis.

We are looking for original, inspirational stories/poems etc that can show why it is good to talk to someone if you are being bullied. The stories will then be included on the Follow the Heard website (when its built), be used as inspiration during a residential for vulnerable young people and some may even be brought to life using audio equipment and form part of a Schools resource pack.

Anyone who can help should contact Kev Walsh at office@bullyfreezone.co.uk ASAP.

ASCII FTW!

2009-07-09T14:56:00.008+01:00

Take a look at this awesome ASCII logo that was created for us by @yamerias, a friend of Bully free Zone on Twitter. He has created several for other charities as well such as @bullyinguk. I urge you to follow him and see what other delights he will come up with.

Thanks @yamerias

Video Game Violence: Where's the Harm?

2009-07-09T14:42:00.000+01:00

First posted by Kev Walsh at www.britsknowbest.co.uk. February 2008

It seems hardly a day goes by nowadays without a report of some kid shooting up his school ‘because he played Counter-Strike’ or of how young minds are being corrupted by ‘triple x pornography in games marketed to teenagers’. It was only yesterday that the infamous Jack Thompson put the blame for the recent NIU tragedy where a 27 year old gunned down students supposedly because he played Counter-Strike 4 years previously (and had absolutely sod-all to do with the fact he had stopped taking his medication for mental illness).

Like it or not, violence in videogames is big news at the moment. Be it school shootings in the US or links to kids and knife culture here in the UK. Forums everywhere from xbox.com to IGN and CVG are full of gamers up in arms that their beloved pastime is being brought into disrepute. However, is there more to this than gamers realise?

The fact is that violent game, as well as violent books; films; images, cartoons or websites can, and will, have some form of effect on the individual engaging with them. The effect it has however is entirely down to the suggestibility of the individual concerned.

During the 19th century Antonin Artaud created the Theatre of Cruelty. This is a type of stage theatre that was designed to be so visually shocking and sickening in its use of violent imagery that it was meant to have a cathartic effect on the audience, cleansing them of their anger, aggression and fear. By witnessing others engaging in acts that a person is meant to subconsciously desire allows them to purge themselves of pent up emotions and thus lead a better and more fulfilling life. If we look at the popularity of public executions in previous times, and even to the present day in many countries across the globe, we can see how this may well be true.

People have an innate desire to witness suffering. It somehow makes ourselves feel better. We love watching Comic Relief and Children in Need with all their stories of third world suffering and we gain some warped satisfaction from viewing images of war on TV. We KNOW that what we are viewing is horrible; that what we are witnessing is distressing and sickening; but we still watch it. Why? Because deep down the only way we can feel better is by reminding ourselves of what we are capable of, and feel more powerful knowing that we have the restraint not to carry out the acts we see.

The same theory applies to videogames, horror films and almost all other forms of ‘unengaged violence’. We sit down with our 360 pads and tap the B button to unleash chainsaw hell on our unsuspecting foe and a grin spreads across our faces. We let stream profanity after profanity when we get our arse handed to us due to a lucky plasma grenade…and we LOVE IT. Not just because it’s entertaining but because we are fulfilling those subconscious fantasies we so desire everyday but that our consciousness, and society, forbid to us to engage in.

However, what would happen if your consciousness was affected in some way?
It is well known and documented by psychologists, doctors and psychiatrists that certain things can affect how a person’s conscious and subconscious mind interact.

• Age – as you grow older the border between the conscious and subconscious mind becomes more prominent and thus much easier for us to avoid acting on impulse. This is largely down to learning the ways of the world and the laws of the society in which we live. Children therefore are more prone to act on subconscious impulse than adults.

• Testosterone – the greater the level of testosterone in your body the more prone to act on aggressive impulses you will be. It becomes much more difficult for a person to restrict the extent to which they express their aggressive impulses.

• Drugs/Alcohol – the more under the influence of drugs and alcohol you become the more the border between conscious and subconscious blurs. The easier it becomes to act on subconscious impulse.

• Mental Health – if you are already suffering from mental health problems then the higher the risk of you acting on subconscious impulse.

Obviously these things alone would not necessarily mean that you are going to go out and shoot down a few pedestrians but if these things are combined with other catalysts such as bullying, peer-pressure or exposure to violent images etc then the likelihood of engaging in a violent act is increased.

Therefore a child who is being bulled at school, going through puberty, witnesses’ domestic violence at home and plays Halo for 13 hours a day is more likely to commit an act of violence than a 28 year old that has had three pints of Golden Boot and has spent 4hours playing Gears of War.

The fact is that videogames DO affect the people that play them. Are they the reason why Stephen Kazmierczak decided to walk into his old University on Thursday 14th February 2008 and shoot as many people as he could before turning the gun on himself? Of course they aren’t but there is the possibility that, due to his mental health issues, playing violent videogames could have increased the probability of him committing a violent act.

How? and why?

2009-07-09T11:55:00.009+01:00

This is a picture of Kev's shoes as he is sat in the office at 1:30pm. A full 5 hours after putting them on. How do you not notice you are wearing odd shoes to work?

Which leads me to ask what daft things have you done recently? Tell us in the comments section below or over on twitter by sending a tweet to @bfzonline. stick the tag #sillyme at the end so we can serch them easier.

Pictures welcome :D

Guilt!

2009-06-29T12:17:00.002+01:00

Dirty Looks, nasty names,
Isolated, left out of games,
Smashed the lenses in his NHS frames
Guilt? Don’t know the meaning of the word.

Punched and kicked, stones are thrown,
Money stolen, followed home,
Vindictive texts sent to his phone.
Guilt? Don’t know the meaning of the word.

Yells and screams, cries of pain.
I keep on going all the same.
Just for fun, it’s just a game.
Guilt? Don’t know the meaning of the word.

It got to him, screwed up his head,
Went to his room, climbed into bed.
Overdose, now he’s dead.
Guilt? Eternal.

Anon, BFZ.

to learn more about Bully Free Zone and how we help families and young people affected by bullying please visit www.bullyfreezone.co.uk

Hello world!

2009-06-29T10:32:00.002+01:00

Good Morning.

It's been a while since we spoke. Finding the time to blog is difficult sometimes but i promise we'll make the effort from now on. The sun is shining and the sky is blue today.

But hey, you don't come here for a weather report, you want to know what's going on in the BFZ world.

Currently Kev is training some brand spanking new volunteers over at Turtan Media Arts College. They are a great group and I look forward to working with them in the future.

Thursday Drop-in's are still well attended and any volunteers are welcome to pop down between 2pm and 6pm. No pressure... its there if you want it.

Finally, i was thinking of incorporating the VAT blog with a more generic BFZ blog in the future. What do you think? good idea or should i keep things separate? let me know what you think.

Anyway. Tata for now

Kev xxx

Volunteers Week at BFZ!

2009-05-28T16:13:00.001+01:00

Afternoon all.

Just thought i'd pop by and let you all know what we have planned for National Volunteers Week taking place next week, beginning 1st June.

Some of the volunteers have already been out to do some interviews with the likes of Tower FM ready for the week so you'll be hearing lots from them during the week if you are tuned in.

We also have an ope-day planned between 2pm and 6pm next Thursday 4th June for anyone, and we mean ANYONE (aged 16-25) who might be interested in getting involved with the work of Bully Free Zone. Come along and see what goes on and sign up for one of the numerous action teams.

Finally on Saturday the 6th June the volunteers will be out and about in the town centre doing good deeds for all and sundry. If this sounds like something you fancy doing why not get in touch and you to can take part. Just ring the office on 01204 454958.

I won't be around next week unfortunately (Skegness beckons) but I'll be back the week after and i expect to see lots more new volunteers eager to get stuck in.

In the meantime, behave yourselves.

Kev

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS

2009-04-23T16:58:00.002+01:00

The Steering Group has 2 positions that need filling. There is:

Activities Officer
Fundraising Officer

All we want to know is your name and why you want the job.

And guess what YOU DON'T NEED EXPERIENCE!!!

If you want to apply please email: vat@bullyfreezone.co.uk

The deadline is THURSDAY 30th APRIL 2009

Hope to hear from you all soon x

Wanna job? Get paid for playwork this summer.

2009-03-11T12:53:00.005Z

Bolton Council Play Service is part of the Children’s Service within Bolton Council and is committed to working with children and young people throughout the borough to access play and out of school opportunities.

The Play Service is looking to recruit casual playworkers to work on a variety of summer schemes across the borough including childcare and open access projects. Experience of working with children and young people aged between 4 and 13 is essential. Work available includes either playcare work at one of the full day schemes (37 hours) run at various sites including community centres, play centres, and schools or free sessional open-access opportunities in similar venues for local children and young people (up to 30 hours). You will provide a safe child centred environment offering creative play and care opportunities to children and young people aged 4 to 13.

Successful candidates will be required to take part in a full week’s pre-summer training (20th – 24th July) and must be available every day Monday to Friday between 27th July and 4th September 2009.

After summer there will be an opportunity to work additional hours either at one of our after school clubs covering staff sickness or holidays, or during other school holidays ie half terms, Christmas, Easter etc.

All posts are subject to an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check and you must be aged 18 or over by the 20th July.

Application packs available from the One Stop Shop, Bolton Town Hall or online at http://www.bolton.gov.uk/ from Thursday 5th March with a closing date of Thursday 19th March 2009.

Election Results

2009-03-05T15:59:00.004Z

Bully Free Zone Volunteer Action Team has held its first election for Steering Group Officers and the results have been counted and verified.

58 young people received ballot papers with a total return of 31%.

Two of the positions were uncontested and so we are delighted to welcome Abdulahi Isalk to the post of Communications Officer and Amino-Sahro Yahye Nur to the position of Fundraising Officer.

In the position of General Secretary for the group we are happy to welcome Fiona Bond and finally the position of Chairperson goes to Alicia White.

We would like to thank all those that took part in the election and wish those elected all the best for the coming electoral term.

The BFZ Gift Shop

2009-03-02T14:08:00.009Z

Bully Free Zone have today launched its first range of quality, BFZ branded merchandise, for purchase from www.bullyfreezone.spreadshirt.co.uk.

Various items from hoodies and t-shirts to mugs and bags can be bought online and delivered to your door and what's more, you get the lovely feeling of happiness knowing that you are helping raise money for Bully Free Zone as well.

I'll upload a picture of me wearing my Glow-in-the Dark Francis Hoodie later in the week but in the meantime just pop on over to the Gift Shop and have a look at what's on offer. You won't be dissapointed.

Spread a little love our way this February

2009-02-12T15:21:00.005Z

So the 14th of February is almost upon us and as you all ready up to send Kev thousands of presents and cards stop and think of BFZ.

Whilst Kev is often inundated with cards at this time of year poor Francis and Spud and Bully Free Zone don't get anything. So why not, this year, spread a little love the way of BFZ by printing out our special "spare change" box.

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE BOX

Just follow the link above, print out onto some card then follow the instructions to have your own little collection box. Fill it with spare change then send whatever you collect to us here at BFZ Towers.

Happy Valentines Day

BFZ

xxxxx

Welcome to 2009

2009-01-26T15:05:00.007Z

Well....obviously its been 2009 for a few weeks now but we have been neglecting the blog due to planning lots of things. But now we are back and so we can formally welcome you to 2009.

We have LOTS planned for the year ahead. Many many exciting projects on the horizon and lots more opportunities for volunteers to get involved so keep coming back here to find out about anything thats going on.

In the meantime take care and always remember to eat your greens.

Seasons Greetings From v!

2008-12-09T11:38:00.003Z

Ho, Ho, Ho!

v has had a fantastic year in 2008 and it’s largely due to all of the support we have received from you, our supporters and friends. To say thank you, we’ve created the vinspired Christmas ecard with a unique video message from our very own CEO Terry Ryall Open it here and please have some fun with it!

As you know, back in September v launched its Favours campaign, designed to show how simple and enjoyable it can be to make a difference to someone’s life. Through Fashion Favours, volunteers have been creating fabulous new designs from recycled clothing. We were even able to persuade the Prime Minister Gordon Brown and wife, Sarah Brown, to donate items from their own wardrobes for the cause! The response from the public has been overwhelming and the campaign culminates tonight with a fashion show of winning designs, to be hosted by TV’s Miquita Oliver.

Our latest campaign, Festive Favours, which kicks off today, is a new initiative to get people thinking about how they can make the season more meaningful for themselves and others. We’re asking everyone to get involved!

One of the more unusual (and energetic) events is called Pedal Power: It involves the lighting up of giant Christmas trees! The 30ft trees will be placed in Hardman Square, Manchester (9th-14th Dec) and at the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland festival, London (16th-19th Dec), and adorned with 2000 Christmas fairy lights. The lights are connected to 10 exercise bikes placed around the tree – and they’ll only sparkle if at least five bikes are being pedalled at any one time. The more people we have pedalling, the brighter the lights will shine! It is a fun event, all about pulling together and spreading some Christmas cheer, that we hope will underline the spirit of our Favours campaign by demonstrating how easy it is to make a difference to someone’s day without spending any money or taking hours out of your own day.

On December 1st we launched the v virtual advent calendar. Featuring 24 different ‘random acts of kindness’ that we hope will inspire everyone during the lead up to Christmas. It’s a great way to help people realise just how simple doing a favour is are and what a huge difference it can make to others. The calendar is available from http://www.vinspired.com/ home page and can be downloaded as a Facebook widget. It’s important that we get as many people as possible behind this initiative so please do remember to download it for yourself and send on to everyone you know. You’ll be surprised at how many simple ways there are to make the season more special for us all.

We also have a huge hamper giveaway in London on 22nd December, which will be an amazing occasion. Keep an eye on vinspired for details...

Without the fantastic help and support from you, these campaigns would not have been possible, so we would like to take this opportunity to say a wholehearted “thank you” to you all and wish you the very merriest and happiest Christmas.

Don’t forget to check out all of the Festive Favours activity throughout December and for information on how you can get involved simply go to

http://newsletter.vinspired.com/_act/link.php?mId=C8475109047341378235976302821&tId=13450784

Thanks again.

The team at v.

Fancy doing a Fashion Favour…?

2008-11-27T12:37:00.005Z

v has launched a virtual wardrobe, which is THE place for clothes to be seen this season, but to help make it a success, we need your help to get young people involved in this ethical and innovative project.

All participants need to do is: download a ‘customise your clothes’ pack from here. They can then use the hints and tips provided to help them customise an item of clothing. Finally, all they need to do is upload their item of clothing onto vinspired.com!

They can either show off their handiwork, or, we are offering the opportunity for each item to be auctioned online, with all proceeds going to a youth HIV charity Body & Soul. On top of this, the creation could also appear in v’s exclusive fashion show on 01 December 2008!

If you want to get people involved, why not organise a ‘customising clothes evening’ to help create clothes for the collection? It’s a great way to engage a group of young people in a fun activity whilst highlighting the implications of a ‘throw away’ society.

In addition to this, if you know of young people who are really keen on fashion, vcashpoint is back for a fifth round so why not encourage them to apply for up to £2,500 to run their own fashion project!

vcashpoint is the funding initiative for 16-25’s who want to set-up a voluntary project in their community. By providing grants of up to £2,500, vcashpoint can help turn ideas into reality.

Applications open on 24 November. More info on round 5 of vcashpoint will be coming soon…

Help us to make v’s initiatives a success – SPREAD THE WORD!

http://www.vinspired.com/

Change the World - Leaving from PLATFORM2

2008-09-30T09:52:00.009+01:00

Platform 2 is a free government run initiative and is an overseas voluntary opportunity for 18-25 year olds. It aims to take 2,500 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to developing countries all across the world. These are 10 week trips to places such as South Africa and Nigeria and are all about helping the locals in their community. The trips centre round different projects for example construction,teaching catering and more. Platform 2 will help young people identify the project that is best suited for the individual.

The opportunity is especially aimed at those young people who may not otherwise be able to afford this kind of opportunity, so eligibility is on an individual basis and takes in to account benefits they may be receiving/have received, income etc. They will also have to undertake a CRB check to ensure they are safe to work on these projects.

What is paid for?

Flights
Accommodation
Immunisation
Food
Weekly living allowance

What is not paid for?

Travel to interview (this will be local where possible)
Travel to Heathrow airport (most trips will be flying from Heathrow)
Personal/Social Travelling whilst away
Passport

Application Process:

Application form – includes information about themselves, why they want to take part in the trip, how it will benefit them etc
Two references needed
Local interview – very informal chat, getting to know more about the projects and them discussing application/motivations for applying etc. This is usually around 4 or 5 questions and lasts around 1 hour
If successful, there will then be a pre-departure briefing to get cultural information, health and safety, a chance to meet others etc
Upon arrival back in the UK there is a 3 day residential for people to share their thoughts and experiences about their project.

For more information or to download an application form, please visit: http://www.myplatform2.com/

"Volunteer Experience" Cast One: Neil's Experience

2008-09-26T17:08:00.009+01:00

Part one of our "Volunteer Experience" podcast's focusses on Neil. We are regualrly going to be bringing new "Volunteer Experiences" to you over the coming weeks and months so make sure you check back.

Now...over to you Neil.

Do Yourself A Favour!

2008-09-24T16:02:00.006+01:00

Thursday September 25. The day the worlds of fashion and volunteering unite. And you’re invited to be there……

The face of volunteering is being transformed. And it’s all down to Favours. Top fashion designer, Ben De Lisi and youth volunteering website, vinspired.com, are launching a challenge to young people to make a unique fashion collection purely from recycled clothing.

A press conference will be held at 9am along with Ben, vinspired and T4 presenter Miquita Oliver to unveil details of Favours and the collection.

Photocall – 8.30am
Press Conference – 9am

Location: Debenhams press showroom,

33 Wigmore St, W1U 1QX

Interview opportunities will be available with:

Ben De Lisi
vinspired.com CEO, Terry Ryall
Volunteers

So do yourself a favour and come along!

RSVP to laurab@cakegroup.com
or 0207 307 3145 / 07791 717 735

From
Ben De Lisi & vinspired.com

ASC to Join In!

2008-08-20T20:19:00.002+01:00

Next week will see After School Club training day for all those volunteers wishing to support young people attending our After School Club on Monday evenings (Term Time).

The training will take place on Friday 29th August and is open to all volunteers. A First Aid training day will also be taking place on Wednesday 27th to all volunteers but with priority going to those looking to support the After School Club.

Anyone interested in taking part needs to contact Kev or Chantelle ASAP to confirm yor attendance. Places are limited so get in touch soon.

Kev

vat@bullyfreezone.co.uk

Random Feelgood YouTube Video of the Week: episode two

2008-08-06T17:28:00.004+01:00

Okay Dokey. Time for part two in series of....well...thousands maybe. This weeks Feelgood YouTube Video of the Week is broght to you by none other than Nicola, the BFZ Boss.

Enjoy but bear in mind, wasting chocolate is frowned upon by BFZ and punishments will be severe if caught.

Rory and Kev's Big Day Out

2008-07-31T10:29:00.014+01:00

Last Friday young Rory van de Berg and myself decided to take a nice trip down to Birmingham to learn all about podcasting as part of our successful iGrant application. It was a great day and Jude and Mark from sounddelivery were excellent.

We hopefully plan to carry out some training later this month for anyone interested but in the meantime here's what we came up with on the day. Enjoy, and check back soon to find out more about how YOU can get involved.

play

Random Feelgood YouTube Video of the Week: episode one

2008-07-08T02:38:00.007+01:00

Ive been thinking the site has been a little wordy of late wth an awful lot of text and, well...nothing else apart from the 'inspirational' video from v below. So I have been thinking what better way to help get your creative juices flowing (and keep you logged onto the site) than to provide you with what must be som of the best free entertainment on the web. YouTube video's.

So here you are. Each week i'll be providing with another feelgood, inspirational video for your enjoyment and im open to more suggestions. If you come across any great videos you think should appear the why not send me a link to mv@bullyfreezone.co.uk.

Enjoy.

p.s. YES i did post this at 3am, i do all my best work at 3am. Just please don't phone the office until after dinner when i may be coherent :)

Get Snapping - Win a Wii!

2008-07-07T16:38:00.008+01:00

The Youth Action Network's Young WhipperSNAPPER 2008 is now open for entries and they've got some great prizes up for grabs!

To tie in with the YAN's DO YA!? campaign, volunteers under the age of 25 are being asked to send in photographs that would either:

encourage other young people to DO YOUTH ACTION;
showcase youth action projects already taking place

Not only is this a great oppotunaty for young people to promote volunteering and show of their artistic skills but they can also be in with a chance of winning a fantastic prize! just look at what is on offer......

1st prize a Nintendo Wii plus a canvas print of the winning image
2nd prize is a Nintendo DS and two games, plus a canvas print of the winning image
3rd prize is a Nintendo DS plus a canvas of the winning image
runners up will get-a ipod shuffle

And whats more, the first 25 entrants are guaranteed to win a £25 hmv voucher!

the closing date for entries is FRIDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2008.

VISIT: www.youthactionnetwork.org.uk/whippersnapper

vCashpoint: Its all about the Money!

2008-06-20T14:00:00.007+01:00

Hi,

We wanted to tell you a bit about vcashpoint:

The stats:

vcashpoint offers grants of up to £2500 to 16-25 year olds to set up a volunteering project in their communityTo date there have been 3 rounds of vcashpoint 226 grants have been awarded.

Grant winners don’t have to be old school crowd-pleasers either. Previous projects have included street parties to raise awareness of environmental issues and running a summer school which included teaching samba dancing!

To communicate this more clearly we’ve created the following short clip:

In the next round we want to double the number of grants we give out, and give more young people the chance to develop valuable transferable skills that will serve both them and their communities.

vcashpoint closes on 18th July 2008 and we want to make sure as many 16-25 year olds as possible are aware of this great opportunity.

For more information about vcashpoint, please click here: www.vinspired.com/vcashpoint

Many thanks for your continued support- it’s appreciated

Becky Eakins Marketing Manager
(v)

Volunteer? get a degree in it!

2008-06-09T15:11:00.006+01:00

THE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTEERING AND COMMUNITY ACTION

SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME 2008 ENTRY

BA (Hons) Active Citizenship and Volunteer Development

The University of Central Lancashire Centre for Volunteering and Community Action is offering a guaranteed place on the above programme 2008 entry to a limited number of students who demonstrate outstanding contribution to the community through volunteering and community action. This Scholarship is available to students aged 18+ who are registered with the National Youth Volunteering Programme and will attain 200 hours by Sept 2008.

To apply for this scholarship, make a formal application through the UCAS for the above degree by end of July 2008, and then contact Wajid Khan on wkhan@uclan.ac.uk, tel: (+44)1772 893116, with your details so that we can make you an offer immediately.

For further details and a fact sheet, please contact course enquiries on (+44)1772 201201.

Have a day off, create a new holiday.

2008-05-20T11:03:00.003+01:00

Britain hasn't had a new Bank Holiday for 30 years and now thousands of people are being asked to make a new one happen.

www.communityday.org.uk is attempting to rectify the situation by getting a new Bank Holiday in October so we can all celebrate volunteering and make a difference in the community (and not, for example, sit in Traffic Jams on the M6 as we all try to visit Blackpool).

To do your bit to make it happen (and so i can get an extra lie-in) just sign-up to www.communityday.org.uk

BFZ: Charity of the Year 2008

2008-05-12T16:13:00.005+01:00

Bully Free Zone last night attended the Halo sponsored Feather Ball at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester to find that we had won the Express Yourself Charity of the Year Award 2008.

The awards are designed to recognise the excellent work that individuals and charties do throughout the UK and Bully Free Zone managed to beat off stiff competition from the other finalist, 'Talk, don't Walk' to be crowned this years Charity of the Year.

The event was fantastic with some wonderful grub and great music. Kev got to 'bust a few moves' to the Mowtown All-Stars and The Dreamgirls, whilst Nicola and Fiona tried to prevent Chantelle from making any further 'faux-pas' (they didn't really succeed).

BFZ would like to extend their thanks to everyone at Halo and Express Yourself for inviting us to the event and making us feel so welcome.

Vinvolved with Bully Free Zone Volunteer Action Team

2008-04-11T15:51:00.003+01:00

April 2008 sees the launch of the Bully Free Zone Volunteer Action Team, Bolton’s only VInvolved Project.

The project is funded by V, the new national youth volunteering programme, and aims to provide opportunities for young people aged 16-25 to take an active role in supporting others affected by bullying and to help raise awareness of anti-bullying initiatives.

Fiona Bond (21), a volunteer with the charity, said:

As a volunteer, I have been involved in many activities with Bully Free Zone's Millennium Volunteers project. Through this I have experienced amazing opportunities that have changed my life and if it wasn't for the work I have done with Bully Free Zone, I would not have chosen a future career in the voluntary sector. I would definitely recommend volunteering with Bully Free Zone, whether you are passionate about anti-bullying, or simply want a great volunteering opportunity.

Volunteers will be able to take advantage of a variety of opportunities such as supporting young people attending the BFZ After School Club, writing articles for the Bully Free Zone website or planning and taking part in social events and campaigns.

Kev Walsh, Project Co-ordinator, said:

Bully Free Zone has helped thousands of children and young people overcome bullying since its launch in 1996. For the young people of Bolton to be given a chance to help thousands, more into the future is a fantastic opportunity and I certainly urge them to get involved in this valuable project

The project is currently looking for volunteers who are particular interested in supporting young people at the After School Club which runs on Monday evenings 4pm – 6pm. Anyone interested in helping can contact Kev Walsh on 01204 454958 or email mv@bullyfreezone.co.uk

Notes

1. Bully Free Zone is one of the leading anti-bullying charities in Britain and is a member of the Anti-Bullying Alliance. Since launching in 1996 it has helped thousands of children, young people and families to overcome bullying.

2. Since 1999 BFZ has delivered a successful Millennium Volunteers project across Bolton and Manchester. The funding for this project came to an end on 31st March 2008.

3. V, the national youth volunteering programme, was launched in 2006 to create a million new volunteers by 2011.

4. For more information on Bully Free Zone please contact Nicola Schofield on 01204 454958.

BFZ the Soap Opera: Episode One

2008-03-31T16:13:00.004+01:00

The One Where No-One Knows What Kev is Talking About

Kev: OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!

Chantelle: What? whats wrong?

Kev: They've cancelled Jericho. I cant believe they could do something like that.

Chantelle: Cancelled what?

Kev: Jericho. CBS in America have cancelled Jericho.

Chantelle: errrrr.....oh.....and...errr thats bad is it?

Kev: ....of course its ....

(Nicola enters)

Nicola: Whats going on? I head shouting.

Kev: Oh Nicola, they've cancelled Jericho.

Nicola: Cancelled what?

Kev:....

(Kev leaps from the window. Nicola looks at Chantelle)

Nicola: What's Jericho?

Chantelle: More importantly, what's for lunch?

Jericho, the popular TV Series (with Kev at least) is available to watch now on ITV3 and season one available at all good DVD stores. It must be good...he says its better than 24.

The End is Nigh...Until Tomorrow.

2008-03-18T22:02:00.005Z

That's right folks....today is the last day of the BFZ MV Project EVER!

From 1st April 2008 BFZ MV will be no more and will instead be replaced with the V-funded BFZ Volunteer Action Team. This mean that Bully Free Zone will no longer be expecting people to collecting thousands of hours and will instead be concentrating on delivering good quality volunteering opportunities all centered around anti-bullying and support the work of Bully Free Zone.

You can of course continue to volunteer with Bully Free Zone however we will need you to (yet again) sign up as a new volunteer. Downloadable forms will be available from the blog and BFZ Website soon.

For more information on the new project o to sign up please contact Kev or Pete on 01204 454958 or email mv@bullyfreezone.co.uk. Remember you have to be 16-25 to get involved.

Blue or green?

2008-03-11T15:32:00.004Z

Chantelle and Nicola are having a heated debate over what the color of the new First Aid Kit should be. Nicola wanted the groovy translucent blue one (and i agree) yet Chantelle and Pete are showing their age (21?-Chantelle) and demand a traditional green one.

what do you think, green or blue?

Kev

DO YA!?

2008-03-05T13:33:00.008Z

Taken from the Youth Action Network e-bulletin March 2008

This year, Youth Action Network is running a DO YA!? campaign to tie in with national Volunteers’ Week which takes place every year between 1-7 June.

As the name suggests, the campaign will be a call to action for young people to do Youth Action! It has two aims:

To promote Youth Action locally, regionally and nationally – highlighting its benefits and how young people can get involved
To encourage more young people to volunteer.

There are lots of opportunities for both young people and organisations to get involved so keep checking http://www.youth-action.org.uk/ to find out more.

WWWhat should we register?

2008-02-26T13:40:00.003Z

We are currently in the process of registering a new domain name for the VAT blog but have no idea of what to register. Obviously bullyfreezone.co.uk and VAT.co.uk have all been taken

What we need is any ideas for what the new blog domain name should be. The more creative, original, inspired and catchy the better.

Any ideas can be emailed to us over at BFZ HQ as soon as possible so just send them over to mv@bullyfreezone.co.uk TODAY.

VInvolved: Make a Difference

2008-02-12T11:30:00.000Z

Are you aged 16-25? Do you think you can help make a difference as young people in Bolton? Do you want to help raise the pofile of volunteers in Bolton and help change the image of volunteering for the better? If the anwer is Yes then...

...all you need to do is join the V-Involved Youth Action Team. The Youth Action Team (YAT) is an inititive being developed by the V Team based at the Bolton Lads and Girls Club. The YAT will be made up of representatives from a variety of projects across Bolton and will meet once a month to..

Raise the profile of volunteers.
Break down barriers.
Represent Bolton's young people.
Change the image of volunteering.

This may include organising a town wide event for Volunteers Week, or look a how the various volunteering agencies in Bolton can link in to each other. Either way its an excellent way for you to make a difference to volunteering in Bolton.For mre information or to get involved please contact Kev on 01204 454958 or email mv@bullyfreezone.co.uk

Write for us...you know you want to.

2008-02-06T16:41:00.000Z

Have you ever fancied yourself as a journalist, tracking down the news and letting the world know what’s going on? Or perhaps you’ve always fancied yourself as the next T4 presenter, mixing with the stars and jetting off around the world to interview celebs?

Well….now you can start to realise the dream (sort of). BFZ Volunteer Action Team needs confident young people to write for the VAT Blog on all manner of things. Perhaps you want to report on a current BFZ project you are involved with or have some poems you have written, about your experiences with bullying or BFZ. Perhaps you fancy interviewing others about their experiences of bullying (like Amy’s Article, Interview With A… Kickboxer), or maybe you just want to review music and films etc.

The VAT will consider articles by anyone aged 25 or under for inclusion on the site but can also support volunteers who want to be regular contributors to establish themselves. This can include providing support to set up interviews, use of computer facilities and reimbursement of travel expenses.

Anyone interested in becoming a regular contributor should contact Kev Walsh on mv@bullyfreezone.co.uk or by calling 01204 454958. Otherwise just keep sending us stuff as an when you think of it.

Interview with a....kickboxer

2008-02-06T13:42:00.000Z

by Amy Lleyellyn

Leasha Morrison is the youngest of a formidable kickboxing dynasty and founding member of Morrison’s Black Belt School Academy. At the tender age of fourteen she has achieved the level of black belt second dan, but has already been a black belt for three years. Alongside school and other commitments she has managed to amass an impressive array of titles, including four times World Champion, also British Champion and European Champion. Yet, the slim, blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl in front of me has such a pretty, angelic face and a ready smile. Could this girl really be a potentially lethal killing machine? I decided to test the theory…

So Leasha, have you ever killed a man with one punch?
(Laughs) No!

Ok, serious now. Tell me how you got into martial arts.
Well, my brother and my dad and my mum did it, and I wanted to do it too but I was too young.

How young?
I was about six, so I was seven when I started. My brother would teach me some training moves on a Sunday.

Your martial art is kickboxing, could you tell me a little bit more about it?
It generates from Karate – you use both your hands and your legs – so it’s not like normal boxing, which doesn’t use your feet. It’s not like Thai boxing either. which uses knees and elbows. It’s loads of fun, but it’s hard work as well. It’s self-defence, but there’s a sporting side to it, you can enter tournaments. If you want to know more, just watch the Jean-Claude Van Damme film!

So have you entered any tournaments?
Yeah loads! Over a hundred… The best was probably the first WPKA [World Professional Kickboxing Association] tournament because it was a good holiday, in Kos. The second WPKA tournament was good as well, that was in Corfu.

Have you ever been bullied?
Yes! (nods head vigorously) I got bullied at Primary School from two lads who were three years above me, and sometimes people just take the mick.

What did you do?
I tried to ignore them…but when it comes to the point when you can’t ignore it anymore, you’ve got to stand up to them.

Are people scared of you, because you’re a black belt kickboxer?
Yes, because they think I might attack them! But they don’t really know me so they don’t know I’m really a nice person! Some people are scared of me…but some people just try it on.

Do you think that being a martial artist has made you more confident at school?
Definitely! It makes me want to take part in other things, like shows. Actually, it’s made me a bit gobby! But most importantly, it’s made me stand up for myself.

Some people might think that kickboxing is a lad’s sport. How do you think learning martial arts can help girls in particular?
Well, mainly for self defence, if someone attacked them in the street. It’s also good exercise, if you want to lose weight or get fit. We have a ladies only class, which is good for girls who would rather learn with other girls. Anyway, girls can do any sport that they want to do!

Have you ever been in situation either at school or outside school, where you have felt vulnerable? If so, what happened?
Fortunately, nothing really bad has ever happened to me. But a few weeks ago I was walking alone down Church Street about eight-thirty in the evening – which was a bit stupid of me – and a man came out of a shop ahead of me. He kept walking, but looking behind at me and I got a bit freaked out, so when he turned the corner I crossed over the road. He kept looking back at me, then he also crossed the road in front of me, still looking behind him. He tried a few of the handles on some car doors parked on the road. At this point I dropped back and got my phone out with 999 at the ready. The man then stood at the corner of the next street – it was like he was trying to hide – but I could see him! He was still looking… you just know if something’s wrong, you get that feeling. So I walked into the middle of the road and just stopped – I didn’t know what to do. I went to a door and knocked, and the man walked off. An old man came to the door and I explained everything and he asked if I wanted to come in, but I said no; I knew he was trying to be nice, but I didn’t know him. He asked if I wanted to use his phone to ring my mum but again, I had to say no! In the end, he just walked me to the bottom of the street and I just ran all the way home.

In what ways did your skills help you there?
Well if the man had tried to grab me I would have used my martial arts to get free. It’s hard to say though – you never know what you’d do until it happens. If someone grabs me at school, I just instinctively react.

What would you recommend our readers to do if they were physically attacked by a bully, and had no chance of escape?
First of all, always try and escape, or call for help. If that’s not possible, try to block their attack, then try and get them into a lock position or get them off balance. As soon as they are on the floor – run! And scream…

How long do you think it would take to become good enough at martial arts to be able to protect yourself like that?
You’ve got to build your confidence, which really doesn’t take that long. I’d say maybe three or four weeks. It depends; you get out what you put into it.
How do you think that martial arts can help people who are victims of bullying?
It can help victims to stand up for themselves, it builds their confidence and they learn the skills to use if they get attacked. Also, it’s fun, exciting, and you meet new people and make new friends. Here, we don’t tolerate bullying or violent behaviour.

Do you think then that martial arts can be used as a tool to combat the problem of bullying in society?
Yes definitely. People say ‘try and make friends’ or ‘tell a teacher’, but sometimes it doesn’t always work. It can get to the point where nothing else will work – but if everyone did martial arts there would be no victims for the bullies to pick on.

Finally Leasha, is there anything else we should know about martial arts?
Yeah (winks) – you get to meet loads of nice lads!

Morrison’s Black Belt School Academy (team Bolton Dragons) holds classes for all age groups throughout the week.

For more information please ring 0800 977 4151 or go to http://www.boltondragons.co.uk/.

VInspired: Join V20

2008-02-02T15:28:00.000Z

V, the youth volunteering charity, are currently looking for young people to join its V20 board and help shape the future of UK youth volunteering.

"As members of v20, young people have the opportunity to add fresh ideas to all aspects of v's work, from funding new projects and influencing decision-making to hosting events and helping to plan national marketing campaigns. Young people have a real say in what we do, and help us to inspire a million more volunteers.

So, if you know a young person that can spare 8 weekends a year, and at least 10 hours a month, is aged between 16 -24 and living in England, we'd love to hear from them. The roles are fun, varied and a great opportunity to develop skills and experience."

For more information on getting involed visit the V20 web page. or contact Pete or Kev on 01204 454958.

Make Beautiful Music with BFZ and The Phoenix

2008-01-29T16:36:00.001Z

Bully Free Zone and The Bolton Phoenix are delighted to bring you not one, but TWO fantastic opportunities to get involved in music production. The Phoenix are running two projects at the moment and would love for young people from BFZ to get involved:

"Sonic Beats is open to young people who are interested in creating a Junk Band. Using found and recycled objects, the group will create original sounding instruments to play rhythmical beats from influences across the world. There will be performances opportunities across the North West at festivals, carnivals and concerts. These weekly workshops start on Tuesday 22 January 4.30-6.30pm and will run throughout the year. Everyone welcome.

Sonic Studio offers 15-18 year olds the chance to create electronic and digital music, including recording techniques. Short courses are being run throughout the year at The Phoenix, teaching young people the latest techniques in digital music. There will also be tips on creating art work for CDs. Each participant will create their own CD to take away with them. First session begins Wednesday 6 February, 4.30-6.30pm. Closed workshops for groups are available at a heavily subsidised cost, times can be negotiated to meet the groups needs.

There's also the opportunity to gain accreditation from the National Arts Awards.

Act on your instincts and Get Involved!"

Anyone interested in getting involved should phone Kev or Pete ASAP so that we can organise some taster sessions. Deadline for registering your interest is 15th February 2008 so get in touch NOW!!!

Get Updated!

2008-01-29T11:05:00.001Z

Pete and Kev over here at BFZ Towers work tirelessly trying to ensure all your details are up to date. This includes keeping a log of all the volunteering hours you have completed which goes towards your V accreditation. If you haven't already done so head on over to Hours Update Page and complete the form there and click the send button.

It couldn't be any easier to keep us up to date so you've got no excuse. What are you waiting for? get onto it now.

Volunteer Action Team

2008-01-24T17:41:00.000Z

Welcome to the Bully Free Zone Volunteer Action Team blog. Here you will find news, views and other stuff direct from BFZ volunteers for BFZ volunteers.

Staff and volunteers from Bully Free Zone will regularly keep this blog up to date with the latest goings on, including any new volunteering opportunities; meetings; events; and anything else we think will interest you.

So make sure you bookmark this page and keep coming back for more!

See you soon

The VAT Team