Guilt!

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!

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!

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

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.

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

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

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.