Sandwell’s annual roadshow for Anti-Bullying Week is now under way and is travelling to 10 schools across the borough.
Pupils at Crocketts Community Primary School in Smethwick wore odd socks to celebrate their individuality and uniqueness to help launch the first roadshow as part of nationwide Odd Socks Day yesterday (Monday 10 November), the first day of Anti-Bullying Week. Adults attending the launch also wore odd socks to show their support.
Sandwell Council’s SHAPE Team will deliver the roadshow in partnership with West Midlands Police, visiting seven primary schools and three secondaries.
The theme of this year’s roadshow is ‘Power for Good’ following the Anti-Bullying Alliance’s consultation with teachers and pupils, which concluded that they wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive and counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes.
The workshops will look at what bullying is and encourage young people to always choose respect, regardless of the situation. The topics covered in the workshops include being a good upstander rather than a bystander, moving away from stereotyping and a focus on awareness of what constitutes hate crime.
Councillor Jalal Uddin, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “Mutual respect is the foundation for good friendships and strong 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 children to have the best start in life, we need them to feel safe and supported when they are at school, and to know what to do and who to talk to if they need support.
“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 said: “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 events and opportunities throughout the year for children and young people to engage in positive activities.
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.
