28 - Dudley project wins national award

Archived news release from 2007

An inspirational group of children and young people from Dudley have been presented with a national award for their anti-bullying work.

Youngsters from the me2 award project received the Diana Anti-bullying Award for the helping they give children with learning disabilities who face discrimination.

The me2 award was set up by Mencap and the council’s early years and childcare team with funding from the Big Lottery Fund.

Twenty-six disabled and non-disabled young people support the project by carrying out audits on services to see how welcoming and accessible they are for all children and young people whatever their abilities.

The me2 award group has also been involved in the launch of Mencap’s “Don’t stick it, stop it!” report, which highlights the experiences of children and young people with a learning disability who have been bullied. The report calls for the government and local decision makers to take action to stop disablist bullying – when children and young people are bullied because of their disability.  

Five children and young people from the me2 project were presented with the award at the Victoria Apollo Theatre in London. They each received a certificate from MP Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, and the me2 group also received a certificate to display, marking its involvement in the scheme.

 

“I would like to congratulate all the children and young people involved with the me2 project. This award recognises the great work they do in preventing bullying in Dudley and making sure our young people have access to the services they need.”

Keith Rogers, Dudley’s me2 coordinator said:

‘We want to get the message across that bullying is wrong, and make sure that all children know how to get help if they are being bullied.

“Mencap’s research shows that eight out of ten children and young people with a learning disability are bullied. They are bullied everywhere they go, at school, in the park, on the bus, in the street and at out-of-school clubs. We must take action to put a stop to bullying now.”

As part of their trip to London, on November 15, the five me2 representatives also interviewed MP Kevin Brennan, minister with responsibility for bullying. They also visited Mencap’s national centre where they met Mencap’s chief executive Dame Joe Williams and had an exclusive tour of the premises.

For advice and information on bullying visit the Mencap website www.dontstickit.org.uk  

For more information about the me2 award project, contact the me2 team on 01384 377679.