New-Bridge Integrated College was proud to host the Diana Award Anti-Bullying Ambassadors regional training event on Tuesday 19 September 2017.
Mrs Anderson welcomed the Diana Award facilitators, pupils and staff from the visiting schools and guest, Mr David Simpson, MP, who has promoted the Diana Award Ambassador training programme over the years. Mrs Anderson said “It is an honour to be asked to host this event for a second year running and we welcome this great opportunity to promote good relationships and share our good practice with other schools.”
Up to 150 young people schools received training and shared top tips on how to prevent bullying in their schools and communities. The training day brought together young people from primary and secondary schools, of all ages and abilities, across the region to be trained as Anti-Bullying Ambassadors. The young people worked together to creatively explore and understand the issue of bullying. They networked with other young people, exchanged ideas and shared good practice. They gained practical ideas and received top tips on how to identify and address different forms of bullying. Another important lesson the pupils received was how to distinguish bullying from conflict. Ultimately these Ambassadors left with an action plan aimed at helping them to prevent bullying and ensure everyone feels safe and happy in their school.
Speaking from New Bridge David Simpson MP said “I am once again delighted to be here to support New Bridge as they continue with their Anti-Bullying Campaign. Through the years I have watched the school develop a fantastic model with young people acting as ambassadors. Their passion has paid great dividends and I was delighted to see it rewarded when they proudly won the prestigious Diana Award. I want to pay tribute to the staff and pupils for this excellent work and I look forward to hearing of their continued success.”
Mrs Wright, Diana Award Anti Bullying Ambassador Co-ordinator for New-Bridge, said: “We are delighted to be part of the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors Programme and proud to host the training event in New-Bridge Integrated College which will enable schools extend their effective anti-bullying programmes. We welcomed pupils from St. Josephs Grammar, Banbridge Academy, Friends School Lisburn, St. Josephs P.S, Victoria P.S, Killylea P.S and Glencraig P.S. These pupils of different ages and contrasting backgrounds came together to learn how to celebrate difference and promote respect. They left motivated and encouraged to return to their schools and start an effective anti- bullying campaign.”
The Diana Award Anti-Bullying Campaign, a part of The Diana Award, run the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors programme, a nationwide peer led initiative with over 21,000 trained Anti-Bullying Ambassadors in over 2,500 schools across the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands and United Emirates.
Alex Holmes, Head of Anti-Bullying Campaign for The Diana Award says: “As a former victim of bullying I know how isolated and unhappy a young person can feel when they are being targeted and I am passionate about helping these people. The Anti-Bullying Ambassadors programme gives young people the confidence to stand together against bullies and support one another. We give Ambassadors the skills and tools to successfully spread the message – bullying will not be tolerated.” in supporting young people throughout their time at school but also as they empower young people with resilience skills which I have no doubt will last for life.”
The Diana Award was established in 1999 in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, as a legacy to her belief in the power of young people to change the world. See gallery for more photos!
