Spotlight Interview- Eden and Bullies Out
Eden is a young person volunteer for Bullies Out. In this blog Eden shares what she has learnt about handling tricky situations with peers at school, and why it’s important to speak out and get the right support. Eden also shares more about the important work that Bullies Out are doing.
What is Bullies Out?
Bullies Out was established in May 2006, they are one of the most dedicated and ambitious anti-bullying charities. Through award-winning work with individuals, schools, youth and community settings and the workplace, they provide counselling, education, training, and support to thousands of people.
We want to use experience, energy, and passion to focus on awareness, prevention, building empathy and positive peer relationships all of which are crucial in creating a nurturing environment in which young people and adults can thrive.
What is the vision of Bullies Out?
To empower and inspire children, young people, and adults to overcome bullying behaviour, recognise their self-worth and achieve their full potential.
What led you to want to be involved with Bullies Out?
Why I wanted to join Bullies Out is that it'd have a positive impact on my self-esteem and confidence. I was bullied in Primary School, so I know exactly what it feels like. At first, I thought the people who bullied me were my friends, but they stopped acting like that and became unkind. And because of that, I find it hard to talk to people my own age. I'm working on overcoming that fear, though! I also want to expand my social circle and make new friends. Truthfully, I find social situations very challenging. I often keep to myself, making others think that I want to be on my own, but I don't. I want to be able to express myself more and work on my confidence, so I'm able to gain the courage to make conversation with people!
What is your role in Bullies Out and what do you do?
I am a Youth Ambassador and I volunteered to be part of the Bullies Out community so that we can work together to come up with ideas and solutions to make a positive change, We have online meetings and face to face meetups in Cardiff where we do activities, talk about our experiences and last time, learned about CPR and first aid; we made a video which was fun!
What impact does Bullies Out have on young people and why is it important?
We can help people feel less alone and give a safe space to talk about how being bullied has made them feel. Bullies Out delivers workshops and work with parents to raise awareness and this is helping to reduce bullying inside and outside of schools.
What tips would Bullies Out recommend if you or someone you know is being bullied?
Tell someone you trust, don’t keep it all inside.
Write it all down as you can show teachers/parents what’s been happening and how it’s made you feel.
Use coping strategies like counting to ten or thinking of your favourite, happy memories, or fill in a gratitude journal!
Talk to Bullies Out! They can provide help and support.
If you could say one thing to someone who is being bullied, what would you say?
You're an amazing individual, and you'll never be alone. We're here for you, and never forget that. We can help you, and you deserve to feel welcome. Be happy because you're always safe with us!
How can other young people be involved in Bullies Out?
Check out the website and fill in the forms online to become a Mini Youth/Ambassador: https://bulliesout.com/
What have you learned through your experience there?
Overall, I think Bullies Out is the best way to go if you're ever looking for a good place to work on the issue of bullying. It is, unfortunately, a huge issue in the world we live in today, which results in devastating and lasting effects on the person who was bullied. If we work together, we can raise awareness and put an end to this.
What is your mental health manifesto? (If you could change anything in society that would contribute to positive mental health, what would you change?)
Giving everyone a voice - I want people to feel they deserve to have a say and feel they're able to talk to people freely if they think something is wrong. Everyone is beautiful and equal, and they have every single right to speak to family and friends. They don't deserve to ever feel that they're alone in all of this, because they'll always have someone to help them get through it, no matter what. You're bound to make new friends along the way as well, so they can support you too.
Also important to remember is we need to be inclusive and value diversity! One of the online sessions I did with Bullies Out was to design a poster and show what it meant to me - we all did our posters together in the session.