Drama Projects 2005
"Breathing Space" Anti-Bullying Project in Bridgend
Funded by BBC Children in Need (2004-5)
"Breathing Space" was set up in September 2003. The project is aimed at young people who are at risk from bullying (bullied or bullies), in key schools in the Bridgend area.
Breathing Space aims to reduce tolerance of bullying, promote awareness and use Community Arts and Drama to creatively explore and express the issues surrounding bullying in a safe and supportive environment.
Workshops and "safe spaces" are held in the schools either at lunchtimes or in after school clubs where young people can come together to talk and listen to each other and develop drama work exploring the issues that they see as important.
We look to support on going buddy schemes and peer support schemes running in the schools and are working in collaboration with Childline to help set up such schemes in schools where they do not yet exist.
Quotes:
"All the pupils that took part benefited and showed
development in areas such as helping, showing respect and caring
for others, changing the way that they interacted with others
so that conflicts and bullying issues did not arise and general
self-confidence and self-esteem were built."
Mr Paul Franklyn, Head of Key Stage 3, Ogmore School
"Breathing Space helped me with self-control to not cut my wrists again"
Year 8 pupil from Bridgend
Breathing Space helped me get things off my chest and express my feelings. I’ve also learnt how much bullying hurts and how we all must try to put a stop to it"
Rhia, aged 13
"Now I am no longer afraid to tell others about myself"
Year 7 pupil from Bridgend
"Without Breathing Space I would be a loner with no confidence"
Sammyantha, aged 12
"Because of Breathing Space I have been able to deal with my own problems and sort my problems with bullying out"
Jorden, aged 12
"Because of Breathing Space I am more confident and can rely on my friends"
Year 8 pupil, Ogmore School
"Being part of the Breathing Space group has given me more confidence"
Tomas, aged 12
