More help for victims of bullying
Warwickshire County Council has launched a new helpline in a bid to beat bullying.
The Family Information Service, working with Warwickshire’s Anti-bullying Partnership, has set up the new telephone support service for parents and carers who have concerns about bullying.
Parents worried that their child is being bullied or whose child has been accused of bullying can call the helpline to talk through their concerns with a trained member of staff.
They will be offered information and advice about how to deal with bullying issues and advised of the necessary steps they should take to resolve situations. For complex cases, helpline staff can refer callers to more specialist services where they can get any further support they may need as they cannot provide counselling or argue the caller’s case on their behalf.
Warwickshire County Councillor, Izzi Seccombe, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families said: “Bullying can take many forms and its effects - which often impact on whole families - are upsetting and can be long lasting.
“The new service has been set up to meet a need identified by Warwickshire parents. Our aim is to make it easier for them to find help and offer reassurance that there is somewhere they can go for dedicated support.”
To support the launch of the helpline, the two services are also working together to produce a booklet entitled, ‘Dealing with Bullying’ which will be crammed full of practical tips, in-depth advice and information on the subject. Advice includes how to tell if your child is being bullied, how to tackle and prevent different types of bullying, and what to do if you suspect your own child is doing the bullying.
The helpline number is 0845 090 8044 or 01926 742274 is open 9am – 5:30pm Monday to Thursday and from 9am – 5pm on Fridays.
For more information on anti-bullying, call the helpline, email fis@warwickshire.gov.uk or visit the anti-bullying website http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/bullying.
The Family Information Service also offers advice on a range of family related matters concerning children and young people aged 0-20. Visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fis to find out more about how the service can help you.