Sandwell Council’s SHAPE Anti-Bullying Week roadshow is again

Pupils at Crocketts Community Primary School in Smethwick wore odd socks to have fun their individuality and uniqueness to assist launch the primary roadshow as a part of nationwide Odd Socks Day yesterday (Monday 10 November), the primary day of Anti-Bullying Week. Adults attending the launch additionally wore odd socks to point out their assist.

Sandwell Council’s SHAPE Team will ship the roadshow in partnership with West Midlands Police, visiting seven major colleges and three secondaries.

The theme of this yr’s roadshow is ‘Power for Good’ following the Anti-Bullying Alliance’s session with academics and pupils, which concluded that they wished a theme that empowered them to do one thing constructive and counter the hurt and harm that bullying causes.

The workshops will have a look at what bullying is and encourage younger folks to all the time select respect, whatever the state of affairs. The matters coated within the workshops embody being upstander moderately than a bystander, shifting away from stereotyping and a deal with consciousness of what constitutes hate crime.

Councillor Jalal Uddin, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, mentioned: “Mutual respect is the inspiration for good friendships and powerful communities.

“Our SHAPE team is working hard with West Midlands Police and Sandwell schools, to show that bullying is not the answer. It can ruin and even end lives. We want everyone in Sandwell, no matter their age, to choose respect.”

Councillor Harnoor Bhullar, Cabinet Member for Education, added: “For kids to have one of the best begin in life, we’d like them to really feel protected and supported when they’re at college, and to know what to do and who to speak to in the event that they want assist.

“We want all children and young people to thrive and achieve their full potential in their learning and in all aspects of their lives. So, it’s important to hold roadshows like these – and keep up conversations throughout the year – to encourage pupils to be supportive of each other, to show respect and to equip them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to seek help where needed.”

Headteacher Mrs Lynne Paino mentioned: “At Crocketts Community Primary School, we believe every child has the power to make a positive difference. Anti-Bullying Week is a vital opportunity for us to celebrate kindness, raise awareness and empower our pupils to stand up for one another. Together, we’re building a school community where respect and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.”

The SHAPE Programme organises occasions and alternatives all year long for kids and younger folks to interact in constructive actions.

Go to our Just Youth website to find out more about Sandwell’s SHAPE programme.

Odd Socks Day is delivered in partnership with CBeebies and CBBC star Andy Day and his band, Andy and the Odd Socks.