New store battles the bullies

The tragic results of bullying are more and more in the headlines, but one Welsh charity is fighting back against the problem.

BulliesOut has been operating for nearly 18 years, but the charity says that the problem of bullying is reaching new proportions, mainly due to social media.

At the launch of the charity’s new pre-loved store in Penylan in Cardiff, Chief Executive Linda James MBE called on international tech companies to take a firmer stance against the problem, and for parents to be more vigilant and to intervene when necessary.

“The Tech Giants are able to put controls in place and help prevent this if they want to, but are taking no real action,” she said. “Also, many parents who know there is an issue with their child, should be getting more involved.”

Last year the charity  – which is entirely self-reliant for funding – supported around 20,000 people, offering help, guidance and mentoring to help them cope with being bullied. It is based at Cardiff Bay Business Centre (CBBC) owned and run by Tata Steel subsidiary UKSE.

“We are one of the most dedicated and ambitious anti-bullying charities,” said Mrs James. “Through our award-winning work with individuals, schools, youth and community settings and the workplace, each year, we provide counselling, anti-bullying and wellbeing workshops, training and support.”

Through our innovative, interactive workshops and training programmes, we use our 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.”

The new shop will sell clothes, toys and bric-a-brac to raise funds and also to increase public awareness of the service. Volunteers are urgently needed to work in the store and high quality donations are always welcome.

She praised the support BulliesOut had received from Cardiff Bay Business Centre. “They have been excellent since we moved into CBBC six years ago and have been supportive and helpful.”

Andrea Rogerson-Hewett Senior Administrator at CBBC added : ”It is a pleasure to work with BulliesOut and we are proud of their important work helping people with this difficult, and growing, problem. We wish the new shop every success.”