Eurobodalla Council has enlisted the help of professional trainer and author Peter Slattery to run a free bullying workshop next month after local youth highlighted the need to engage the wider community in tackling the issue.
The Bullying. No way! workshop, run by Mr Slattery, will explore why bullying occurs, what to do when it happens, and strategies for prevention.
Council’s Youth and Community Development Coordinator Zoe Morgan said it came following a request from Council’s Youth Advisory Committee, which comprises student representatives from all local schools.
“Members of our youth committee have witnessed bullying firsthand and they wanted do something to stop it happening,” she said.
“Local schools are already doing their own valuable work in this space within their own communities – we want to value-add to what they are already doing by bringing in a professional and taking a whole of community approach.”
Ms Morgan said the workshop would be interactive and engaging and she encouraged students, parents, teachers and youth workers to attend.
“We really want to hear from people and work with parents, students, teachers and the wider community to create local solutions, because it’s not something you can solve alone,” she said.
“I hope we get a packed house and can make the most of this wonderful opportunity to try and address what is a key issue for young people locally and indeed nationally.”
With three decades experience working with youth, their families and communities, Peter Slattery is an in-demand youth worker, trainer and speaker who has worked with government and within schools, refuges, rehabilitation centres and juvenile justice settings.
His published works include ‘Youthworks’, a practical guide to working with young people used in Australia and overseas, as well as training DVDs and extensive online resources.
The Bullying. No Way! workshop is free and will be held at Moruya Golf Club on Thursday 3 May, 9.15am to 4pm, and includes lunch. RSVP is required for catering purposes to Council’s Youth and Community Development Coordinator Zoe Morgan on 4474 7470 or zoe.morgan@esc.nsw.gov.au
Can't attend? Then you can always visit https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/
