On Wednesday 27th September the charity Diversity Role Models visited our students to deliver some fantastic anti-bullying workshops.

Workshop facilitator Ash, along with Role Models Alice and Kim, spoke to our students about protected characteristics, how bullying affects people's lives, and how we can act as allies to support our peers and challenge bullying if we see or hear it.

Diversity Role Models is a charity that aims to create safe spaces where young people can explore differences and consider their role in creating a world where we all feel accepted. Their student workshops feature LGBT+ or ally role models who speak openly about their lived experiences, building young people's empathy so they can understand the (often unintended) impact of their language and actions. Earlier this year, our Skittles club students raised £500 for Diversity Role Models at our Inclusion and Diversity Day!

They also shared some important free resources that our students can access for further information and support. Please see information about these below:

• Switchboard - https://switchboard.lgbt

Switchboard is an LGBT+ helpline. They are there to help young people with whatever they want to talk about. Nothing is off limits, and they understand how anxious young people may feel.

• Childline - https://www.childline.org.uk

Childline is a free, private and confidential service where young people can talk about anything. They are available online and on the phone, anytime.

• The Mix - https://www.themix.org.uk

The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. They are there to help young people take on any challenge they are facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to them via their online community, on social media, through their free, confidential helpline or their counselling service.

Also a huge thank you to our fabulous class teams who supported students during the workshops!

Miss S Gaafar
Librarian and Events Coordinator